We became long term foster carers and love it!

Sarah and Mike are foster carers from Warrington.  They are in their forties and have three children and two grandchildren. They have been fostering for 19 months.

Why did you become a foster carer?

Sarah: “I was fostered and adopted. I’m good with children and have a lot of life experience. Some of that experience relates to what children in care have been through.”

Mike: “We knew we could offer a caring, loving home.”

How many children have you fostered?

Sarah: “We have only had two so far and they are long term. This means they will be with us until they reach adulthood.”

Mike: “They are part of our family and our 11 year old adores them. She loves having a foster brother and foster sister to play with.”

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer or starting the process?

Sarah: “Have patience, take each day as it comes and don’t be too upset if things aren’t ‘perfect’.”

Mike: “Make sure boundaries are set early on and stick to them.”

What have been the positives of fostering?

Sarah: “It’s been very rewarding. The children with us couldn’t swim and are now on stage 4.”

Mike: “They are calmer, can both read a lot better and are excelling in school.”

What small things have made a big impact?

Sarah: “Opening up about myself, helps them open up.”

What have been your best memories so far?

Mike; “Seeing their faces on Christmas day and the reaction to having their own laptops (funded by the virtual school).”

What impact has fostering had on your family?

Sarah: “It’s been tough! I won’t lie and say it’s been perfect. The dynamics changed so much BUT we have learnt a lot over the past 18 months, things about each other and I have learnt so much about myself, as a mum and a human being.”

Mike: “The support is great.  We see the children’s previous carers every school holiday as they still have contact with them which is lovely.”

If you would like to become a foster carer, please request an information pack and make an enquiry today at www.foster4.co.uk/enquire

(Please note: actors photo used in this blog post)