My DP's were foster carers for about 10 years (after myself and my brother had left home). Great thing to do and we supported them whenever we could
About 2 years ago they decided to take a break from fostering. Since then DF has had a severe stroke and is now living in a residential setting. He is unlikely to be coming home for the foreseeable future.
DM has now decided that she wants to start fostering again (as a single carer). I am not convinced that this is a great idea (even if social services would allow it). She's now 68 - has her own health challenges and we don't know what the future holds with my DF. Part of the reason they decided to take a break was that SS kept sending them teenagers (difficult ones to say the least) when they had asked to only foster younger kids and toddlers. I worry that DM will once again have to deal with an angry teenager but this time on her own.