What it’s like to be foster carer: Julie’s Story
How long have you been a foster carer?
Overall, 22 years as a foster carer. 10 years with Time Out Fostering.
How many children have you fostered?
I have fostered over 20 children during my time as a foster carer. I currently foster one teenage boy.
What made you get into foster care?
I got into it by accident really. A young lad knocked on my door one day asking to use the toilet. He had been sleeping on a bench and was wet and cold. I took him in and gave him some dry clothes and rang social services. He ended up staying with me for 2 years in which I became what is known as a kinship carer.
His social worker then encouraged me to become a foster carer, so I went through the formal process and have been a carer ever since.
What do you think are the main skills needed to be a good foster carer?
Understanding.
Appreciation that every child is different.
If applicable, how do you manage the relationship with your biological child(ren) and introducing a foster child into the family?
My children are grown up now but when I first started fostering they were very much involved. My children accepted this is what I wanted to do, and they made the children all feel very welcome. We would involve them in whatever we did as a family. The young person I currently care for is very close to my grandchild, my sister is also a foster carer and helps support me.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a foster carer?
Seeing a child do well and achieve things they never thought possible.
It’s rewarding knowing that my love and care played a part in their journey. I remain family to them even when they move on.
What are the biggest challenges associated with being a foster carer?
When you foster your life is not the same and that can sometimes mean some sort of adjustment.
Bringing a child into your home for the first time can be a challenge especially when you don’t get all the information about them that you should.
What’s the funniest / most memorable thing that has happened during your time as a foster carer?
One of the most memorable things happened recently, when the young man currently with me received an award at an event for helping and promoting the LGBT community within our area.
He was so surprised, and I had tears in my eyes when he went up to collect it.
How does Time Out Fostering Support you with work as a foster carer?
They know who I am, and the staff really understand me.
It feels like a family.
If you had to give one bit of advice to people thinking about becoming a foster carer, what would you say?
Go for it!
Say Yes to helping children. Look beyond what you hear or what is written about children in care and take a chance to make a difference.