Judith Johnson has been a childminder for more than 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on as a foster carer.

She has worked with Bolton Council for three years and with another local authority for 12 years providing short-term, long-term and emergency or respite care for children and young people since 2006.

She is now fostering her seventh child and the child she first took care of when he was two has returned for regular respite and shared care every month.

The youngster is now 16 and a member of the family, like the other two teenagers, who are aged 14 and 15, living with Judith.

Judith has looked after asylum seekers and children who are new to the UK, speaking very little English and very unsure of themselves and their new home.

She said: “I have had to teach the children so much - it’s difficult to imagine what little they have when they arrive.

“One child was used to wearing just one set of clothes that would be washed and then worn again the next day so everything was all so new to him.

“Even simple things that you take for granted, like the dangers of mixing electricity and water, have to be taught because they’re simply not used to having these luxuries.

“I encourage them to help around the house, washing and drying dishes and keeping their bedrooms tidy, and they take their new skills with them when they eventually move out to live on their own.”

Judith added: “I always include everyone in the family events and, even when they’ve left home to live independently, the young people want to come back and visit – that’s how I like it.

“Some of the teenagers really need to feel that family bond, especially if they’ve not got any family of their own or who have arrived in the country by themselves.

“Everyone has different circumstances but they all need a safe and secure place to call home.”

Could you help make a difference and foster a young person?

Bolton Council would love to hear from you and will support you on your fostering journey.

Make that first step by requesting an information pack by emailing fostering@bolton.gov.uk, visiting www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering or ringing 0800 107 1564.

Join Bolton Fostering Team at their next webinar

Fostering for your local council provides children with a safe space to live while remaining in a town or city that they are familiar with.

Bolton, Bury, Trafford and Wigan councils have come together to provide information about the benefits of fostering with your local council.

Could you provide a safe space in a familiar place for a child?

Are you thinking about fostering and want to know more?

Whether you’re ready to start your journey into fostering or just wanting to find out more, join us for our next webinar on Wednesday, September 15 and let us help to steer the way.

Local fostering representatives will cover everything you need to know about becoming a foster carer with your local council, talking you through the process, rewards and benefits and what support is available together with an opportunity to ask questions and hear from some of our current foster carers.

Email fostering@bolton.gov.uk and we will send you a link to join the webinar, which starts at 7pm.