Fostering
Long-time fosterers in Walsall retire after caring for more than 50 children
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Paul and Dianne Garrett have cared for over fifty children and since 2009.
They became foster carers sixteen years ago after the birth of their son Luke, choosing a path that allowed them to spend more time together as a family while supporting children who needed a loving home.
After many years of dedicated service, Paul and Dianne have now retired from fostering. To thank them, the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, welcomed them to the Mayor’s Parlour on 17 March.
Speaking about their time as carers, Paul and Dianne said, “Fostering has been the most rewarding and life‑changing journey of our lives. Over 16 years we’ve been privileged to offer children a stable, loving home and experiences they may never have had. We’ve made memories, built lifelong relationships and watched our son grow into a compassionate adult who now hopes to teach. The support from Walsall’s fostering team has been exceptional throughout, and I would encourage anyone considering fostering to take that step - you truly can change a child’s life, and it will change yours too.”
Paul and Dianne supported six successful adoptions during their time as carers, and they still keep in touch with those they cared for today.
“ It was a true privilege to meet Paul and Dianne to thank them for everything they have done for some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
Foster carers are unsung heroes of society, opening up their homes to make positive changes to children’s lives, and reinstating hopes and ambitions for young people about their future.
Paul and Dianne are such kind people, and it was lovely to hear their amazing stories during their time as foster carers. “
Foster for Walsall
Find out more
Visit the Walsall Council website for information about fostering and how to Foster for Walsall: page: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering
Contact the team
Telephone: 0800 923 3706
Email: fosteringinwalsall@walsall.gov.uk
Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering
Why Foster for Walsall?
Walsall Council is the first local authority in the West Midlands to take part in the Fostering Network’s ‘Mockingbird’ fostering programme. The Mockingbird programme is an innovative way of delivering foster care which centres on the idea of an extended network of family support.
Empowering families to support each other and overcome challenges, Mockingbird allows our carers to offer children and young people a more positive, consistent, and secure experience of care.
You can read more about the Mockingbird programme at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering/mockingbird
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