We foster as a family

It’s Children of Foster Carers Month, The Fostering Network’s annual campaign that raises awareness of the important role children of foster carers play in a fostering household.

It’s an opportunity to highlight how much they do for children and young people in care, and how vital they are to successful fostering.  Importantly too, it’s a time to say a very big thank you!

Milly’s family have been fostering with Fitzgerald Fostering for over ten years.  Their fostering journey began after Milly’s aunt and uncle became foster carers, and Milly recalls that, as a young child, she always enjoyed visiting their home and playing with the different children in their care.

When Milly was a young teenager, her Mum found herself with more free time and she wanted to begin fostering. Before applying, Milly’s parents spoke to her and to her younger brother to see how they felt about their home potentially becoming a fostering household – and this, she says, continues to be how they approach fostering today. “It’s always a family decision,” said Milly, “and from the outset, Mum and Dad have always spoken to us about placements and whether we feel that they’re a fit.  We foster as a family.”

The decision to move to Fitzgerald Fostering from the family’s original foster care provider was also a family decision, and over the past ten years Milly’s family have provided short and long-term foster care, including for babies in care proceedings, through our independent fostering agency.  They are currently caring for two teenage boys who have been with them for seven years.

Milly continued, “The boys are like little brothers to me as they have been with us for a long time. Seeing them come out of their shell and knowing that you’ve made a difference is really rewarding.”

“Similarly, for the short-term placements, being able to provide the right help when it’s required and knowing that these babies and children will continue to be helped feels so worthwhile.”

Milly acknowledges the challenges, in particular in the early days when her younger brother could feel that he was having to ‘share’ Mum’s attention with a foster child, or when a foster child was experiencing a particularly difficult time and seemed to ‘take it out’ on their parents.

But Milly recognises that, by making sure that she and her brother can always share their feelings and any concerns, discussing these with their parents and also with the family’s Supervising Social Worker – she knows that they are valued for the critical role they play in the fostering household – “the challenges are most definitely outweighed by the rewards.”

“Fostering is an awesome thing to do,” she said, “and it’s just like having more siblings.”

In fact Milly’s experience has been so positive that, since finishing university and leaving home, Milly has chosen to take our ‘Skills to Foster’ course and she is now a back-up carer for her parents.  So that her parents can have a short break when they need it, Milly moves back into the family home to take care of the boys – and already she is looking forward to the time when she can become a foster carer herself.

Sue Beale, Fostering Manager at Fitzgerald Fostering, said, “We are so proud of the children of our foster carers whose support can be vital in achieving successful placements.  By welcoming a foster child into their home, and showing them love and kindness, young people like Milly and her brother are changing lives.”

“Children of foster carers are also really important role models, individually and as part of a fostering family, they can shape the experience for children who may be experiencing positive family life for the first time, modelling safe and secure adult/child relationships, as well as being truly accepted by their  peers.  This sets the foundation for further friendships and relationships to grow.

She added, “On behalf of everyone here at Fitzgerald Fostering, a huge THANK YOU to Milly and her brother, and to all the children of our foster carers.  You play such an important part in helping to achieve the best outcomes for children we care for and your support makes a crucial difference.”

If you are researching fostering agencies, remember that at Fitzgerald Fostering we are here to support our foster carers to be the best foster carers they can be.  We provide outstanding training and our team of qualified social workers are available 24/7 to provide support whenever it’s needed.  Our foster carers also have fast and direct access to our therapist.

At Fitzgerald Fostering, we are with you every step of the way.  To find out more about fostering with Fitzgerald Fostering, please contact us or call us on 01753 550031.