Being a Foster Carer

Today I've asked our friends, C and C *, to share their experiences of fostering. C and C are an amazing couple, with three lovely children of various ages. They are the busiest people we know. Over to them:

"Fostering wasn't something we'd ever thought much about, but the idea came up.  The more we discussed it and pushed doors, the more we thought it was something our family could do. We're a close family, so we discussed it with the children first.  They all seemed keen on the idea.  We knew the reality of having a new child in our home wouldn't be without difficulties, but we decided to explore further.

We contacted our local authority to tentatively inquire about what what we'd be taking on.  They provided good training and tried to prepare us as much as possible.  There is only so much you can do in advance to prepare.  Each child is different.  A different story and needs.

The whole family needs to be on board or it won't be a success. It's important to have a close network of support around you.  You will need it! Fostering isn't for the faint-hearted. It's hard, stressful work. You will be a voice in meetings and work closely with professionals.

As Christians we believed God would send us the child who needs us. We saw God answer our prayers and count it a privilege to have been able to play a part in a child's life when they needed a safe place.

Our foster placements so far have ranged from a new born to a primary age boy, two toddler brothers and an emergency placement. We will never forget the children who come into our home and are placed into our care. They will forever have a place in out hearts.  Their smiling faces still shine from the photos on display in our home.  We continue to keep in touch with many of them.

Local authorities are always looking to recruit new carers. Foster carers can be any age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or relationship status. You don't need to fit a particular mould, but you do need a spare room.  The children come from many different backgrounds.  There is a high demand for foster carers who can provide a home for sibling groups or teenagers.  Respite carers for disabled children and long-term placements for children too old for adoption are also needed.

If you are thinking of fostering, I would read as much info as you can. We found 'A Home For Good' by Krish Kandiah a great help. Talk to people who foster and read up on attachment problems and therapeutic parenting.

Children in care are the most vulnerable people in society. A child comes into care every 22 seconds in UK. In the UK, 4,000 children are waiting for adoption and 9,000 foster families are desperately needed.

It's the hardest thing we have done as a family but also the most rewarding. Psalm 68:6 says, "You find families for those who are lonely." (CEV)"

Thank you C and C for allowing me to share your story here.  They've very kindly agreed to come back in a few weeks to try and answer any questions about fostering you may have.  So please ask away in the comments.

* They've asked to remain anonymous so those are all the details I can share.  Thanks for your understanding.