‘These kids are not bad, they have had bad stuff happen to them’

THE FOSTER CARER

Amanda Halford, 50, has been a foster carer for eight years with independent fostering agencies and her local county council. She leads voluntary counselling assessments for young people and runs a listening circle group for NATP (National Association of Therapeutic Parents). Amanda says: ‘Sadly, not all children have the experience of a positive, nurturing environment, and this lack of attachment can result in emotional and behavioural difficulties. These kids are not bad, they have had bad stuff happen to them. It’s our job to open their eyes to a new world full of possibility, revisiting developmental milestones they may have missed, teaching life skills and helping bring enjoyment into their lives.’

Gillian Hamill, who nominated Amanda, says: ‘Amanda is an amazing woman who dedicates her life to looking after traumatised children, offering stability, fairness and love. There are times when every bed in her house is filled with children. I have watched as Amanda has given younger children a long-term home and enabled teenagers to turn their life around, giving them self-confidence and life skills. On top of this she always has time to meet up and support fostering colleagues in the difficult times.’