Case Study:  Peter Howe

Peter Howe, a foster carer with Pathway Care Group  was initially asked to provide short-term care for twins Jacob and David (not their real names), when they were just a few months old.  But this year, he will celebrate seven years fostering the boys.

When Peter and his wife Susan were asked to look after Jacob and David they never imagined they would be with them seven years later. The twins were placed in foster carer because their young parents were unable to cope as Jacob has Down syndrome, so Peter and his family agreed to look after the twins long term.

Fostering the twins has not always been easy. Jacob's Down syndrome, means caring for him is a full-time job and his condition causes chest, eyesight and hearing problems. Jacob's earlier years involved numerous trips to the hospital so Peter and Susan had to become experts on his condition quickly. 

Peter, aged 59 an insurance manager, said: "Many young children in foster care lack a positive male role and it's vitally important that more men take up that role. The twins had a very unfortunate start in life, with young parents who were not able to give them adequate care. Caring for the twins has been a joy, they're very individual characters with different interests. Jacob's favourite TV show is Balamory while David prefers Sponge Bob Square Pants and Pokemon. David also enjoys playing pool and we're hoping to find a local club for him to join.I hope to retire soon and spend more time with the boys."

As well as fostering the twins, he and his wife also have two children of their own James, aged 30, and Laura, aged 27, and two grandchildren four-year-old Ellis and Thomas just 12 months old.