What’s it like to be a foster carer? Jenn’s story

Jenn’s background

Jenn has been a foster carer since November 2022 and has fostered two children (sisters).

What made you get into foster care?

I had been a Nanny for 20 years but decided to look for a new role. Always had love and passion for looking after and nurturing children but was at peace with not having my own children. Saw an advert on line for fostering, which I hadn’t considered before but after looking it to it felt I wanted to give something back and that I could have the right skills to offer a safe home.

What do you think are the main skills needed to be a good foster carer?

The main skills you need are a good sense of humour, patience, healthy determination, being good with children, the ability to be flexible and a willingness to learn

If applicable, how do you manage the relationship with your biological child(ren) and introducing a foster child into the family?

I don’t have children of my own but am very close with my niece and nephew. My sister had reservations of me fostering and worried about the effects on the family. However, after meeting with them and seeing how much of a difference my care was making to their lives, the worries have long since passed.

I introduced the girls at a small family gathering. I showed them a picture of everyone and explained who they were. The children all get on well and it has added so much to our family.  

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a foster carer?

Seeing them gain confidence and try new things. It’s a privilege to be part of their lives.

What are the biggest challenges associated with being a foster carer?

Some of the challenges would be emotional ups and downs for both the foster carer and child. Sometimes you feel like your making good progress and then there’s a setback.

There can be challenges being a single carer in comparison to being with someone and working together but I like the responsibility in setting the boundaries myself and the rewards it brings from the hard work I put in.

What’s the funniest / most memorable thing that has happened during your time as a foster carer?

The first holiday I took the girls on was very memorable. Their faces lit up more than they would if it was Christmas!

It was funny when one of the girls lost a tooth and I needed money for the Tooth Fairy. I was 5p short of a pound and couldn’t find any more change and, being a single carer, I couldn’t go out to get any, so the Tooth Fairy delivered a very odd amount of 95p that night.

How does Time Out Fostering support you with work as a foster carer?

How do they not? In my experience, my SSW (Supervising Social Worker) has always been on the end of the phone when I’ve needed her.

When moving through the process, the assessment was a good experience, working with someone who got to know me before I started fostering with them was vital for building a good relationship.

I appreciate the regular check ins and the training is great, lots of good courses to work through and help me in my fostering.

If you had to give one bit of advice to people thinking about becoming a foster carer, what would you say?

Don’t let your fear or doubts make the decisions for you. Always explore the opportunity! A child’s wellbeing is bigger than the your own fears.