I got into fostering as my daughter was a foster carer. I used to help her with her foster children. I was helping her when Anchor asked if I’d like to be a foster carer in my own right, so I thought why not.
I work with Parent and Child and Teenage girl placements. I choose to work specifically with them as I am a single female carer living on my own. Parent and Child can be hard as I am in my 60’s. Having a newborn baby in the house can be a bit of a shock. When they come to your home there is a duty of care to the baby. Sometimes you have to teach the mother to be a mother. The best part for me of having a parent and baby placement is seeing a change. It’s such a great feeling. I worked with a mother and baby where the baby was on the at risk register. Within 6 months the baby was off the risk register. They now have their own place and the mother has a job. It’s very rewarding helping the mother and knowing that they can go on to be independent.
On the other hand, you’ve got the teen girls. They can sometimes come with problems and they don’t believe in themselves. The best part is when I get them to go to school and they work hard and they get certificates or do an exam. To actually get them to believe in themselves and have worth in themselves is the best feeling. Giving them the skills and the ability to know they can do something.
Anchor has supported me throughout. Day or night I know someone is there for me to contact. I have lots of help and I have a great social worker.
If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer my advice is, have a sense of humour. Ask lots of questions. It can be a rewarding job you just have to enjoy it.
