FROM disrupted routines and time away from school to missed opportunities to interact with friends, the coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on young people.

For parents and professionals alike, the lasting impact of the crisis on their overall mental and physical wellbeing could become a significant concern.

Questions are also being asked about the extent to which the temporary pause in their childhood experiences will shape their futures, intricate nuisances and personality traits as they grow older.

Unfortunately, however, for many young people who find themselves in care, the past year of uncertainty has not been too dissimilar to their normality.

Reassuring aspects of childhood which so many take for granted are often vacant in the realities of those without a stable home or family, and the pandemic has only hindered their chances of starting a new life.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the fostering service has seen a 30 per cent reduction in the number of foster carers who were given approval.

As a result, more than 7,000 new foster families are now needed in the next 12 months in order to care for the range of children who will otherwise be without stability.

In 2019, young people aged 10-16 accounted for 56 per cent of the children who came into Essex County Council’s care.

The authority’s consultant clinical psychologist, Barbara Canepa has now said: “Childhood should be a time of nurturing and feeling safe.

“Sadly, it’s quite common for many foster children to have missed out on large parts of their childhood through trauma and neglect.”

Thankfully life-changing foster carers across the county are going above and beyond to ensure some of the most vulnerable children are given the childhood they deserve.

Caring - Maria and Phil, who are dedicated foster carers from Clacton

Caring - Maria and Phil, who are dedicated foster carers from Clacton

Maria Ledgerton, 48 and Phil, 57, from Clacton, have been fostering for eight years and currently have one 16-year-old, a nine-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy.

The couple recognise most children they foster have experienced trauma in their lives, so say it is important to be the reassuring and supportive elements of their lives which they have previously missed out on.

Maria said: “Many of our foster children have missed out on praise.

“We commend them all, no matter how small the achievement may seem, and focus on what they can do, instead of what they can’t do.

“This encouragement makes such a difference to their development and has helped build on their confidence significantly.”

The dedicated Clacton carer has now urged others to consider taking in a child and turning their life around.

She added: “If you have time, love, and attention to give a child, then you can do it.

“You will get to meet the most amazing people, both other foster carers and the children themselves.

“The love you give them and the love they give you is like nothing else in this world.

“It is the best job in the world, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and see it as more than just a job - it’s a way of life.”

l Foster Carer Fortnight runs until May 23.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk.