How long have you been a foster carer?

Five months

How many children have you fostered?

One, a 13 year old girl

What made you get into foster care?

I always wanted to work with children and have a childcare background. After having my own children, I wanted a purpose, to help a child that needed a secure home and to be able to use my experience.

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

Patience, resilience, being caring and kind

How do you manage the relationship with your existing family and introducing a foster child ?

This kind of just happens naturally. Sometimes you don’t get a lot of time to prepare your family and children, as the young person moves in quite quickly.

It never felt awkward and we have family rules in place that are important to try and implement straight away.

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

Noticing the difference you are making. It’s also good getting feedback from others on the positive changes they have noticed in the young person.

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

That sense of responsibility that you’re looking after someone else’s child and making decisions for them.

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

One of the most memorable moments was when our young person told us that ‘this is her home now’ that meant a lot.

She also made something at school for my eldest child and told the teacher it was for her brother. Comments like that make it so worthwhile

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

Our supervising social worker is amazing! I can’t even put into words how valuable her support is. Everyone at Time Out is really helpful when you phone the office. 

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

Do it! Fostering is a challenge but it’s also so rewarding. Our family feel it has it enriched our lives, so I would definitely recommend it to people who are thinking about it.