Our Story - Colin and Vanessa
| Published: 10th May 2008 22:35 |
- 1. When did you start fostering?
We have been fostering for over four years now.
- 2. Fostering is a career choice. What made you choose this path? Was there anything in particular that influenced your decision?
We simply wanted to be able to give a child a home just when they needed it.
- 3. How did you find the application process?
Our assessment took six months. The Social Worker asked a lot of questions, some we had to give a lot of thought to. But we know that the questions were necessary to find out if we were the right people to become foster carers.
- 4. What training and guidance did you receive?
The training we received was excellent. I, Vanessa, have gone on to complete an NVQ Level III in Caring for Children which I found very informative and gave me a greater understanding of my chosen career.
- 5. Do you receive any on-going support?
We attend regular training sessions organised by our agency.
- 6. Do you keep in touch with other foster carers to exchange experiences and offer support?
My agency organises regular support group meetings for the foster carers.
- 7. Do you have your own children and if so, how did they adapt to the fostering situation?
We are approved carers of children under the age of two and our two children both enjoy having the babies in the house. Of course, they are sad when the babies leave but they know that we are here to look after them for the time that they need it.
- 8. What are the rewards of fostering?
The rewards are immense - for us seeing the children we care for develop and grow is so satisfying.
- 9. What are the downsides, and how do you overcome them?
The downsides are the sleepless nights! No, sleepless nights are all part of the job. The downsides for us have been, on the rare occasions, when our views have been overridden.
- 10. What qualities would you say are necessary to make a good foster carer?
Patience, understanding and a willingness to learn.
- 11. What advice would you give anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer?
No matter what age of child or teenage you have being a foster carer can be demanding, but the rewards far outweigh the demands. I would say if this is something you feel you want to do then do it.
So if you feel fostering is something you want to do then contact your local authority or visit http://www.fostering.net/providers/independent/ for details of Independent Fostering Agencies.
