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Christine is a foster carer from Warrington. She has been fostering for six years.
Why did you become a foster carer?
“I wanted to provide a safe nurturing environment for a child who may not of experienced that previously, and do something worthwhile and to be proud of.
“As a single carer I chose to be a full time foster carer so that I could be available for the child I am looking after. My sister and niece are a help with the children I care for and visit and do activities with them, and join us on days out occasionally.”
How many children have you fostered and what types of fostering have you done?
“I have cared for 10 children, some short term, some emergency placements, some respite so that their carers can have a break. I am currently providing long term care for a 9 year old child who will be with me until he is eighteen.”
Who lives at home?
“Myself and the child.”
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer or starting the process?
“Fostering has its challenges, not just the challenges of the child’s possibles trauma or behaviour or needs but also the fact that it’s very different from providing care for birth children.
“Every member of your family needs to be aware that fostered children have a past that we are not fully aware of and they may display behaviour that would not be acceptable or tolerated within your own family. Allowances have to be made for this, patience, resilience and empathy are necessary to open your home and your heart to a child and their challenges. You are not only accepting the child but also their previous experiences.”
What have been the positives of fostering?
“Seeing a child grow in confidence or excel at something. Building trust and relationships that will last beyond the fostering requirements. Helping a child to achieve something that they have struggled with. Building friendships with other foster carers and having that support.”
What have been the challenges?
“Children going missing. Children with undiagnosed severe learning needs. Children who have experienced trauma. Children who refuse to eat.”
What changes have you seen in the children you have fostered?
“Growing confidence. Less challenging behaviour. Weight loss in children over weight. Soiling issues resolved. Personal hygiene improvements.”
What small things have made a big impact to you?
“Being thanked for something. A child telling me that they love me. A parent thanking me for looking after their child. A birthday card. When they share an issue with me, no matter how small.”
What have been your best memories so far?
“Taking a child on their first holiday. Being asked to the wedding of the first child that I fostered.”
How do you find the support we give you? Do you have close relationships with other foster carers?
“I have friendships with other carers and we support each other. I am also a part of Mockingbird which again is a good support.”
Please could you ask the child/children you are fostering to describe you?
“He said that I am a mixture of fair, strict,helpful and funny.”
Request an information pack to find out more about Fostering & how your Local Authority can help you.
