Voices of Fostering

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Destiny is a lively and articulate young woman who spent her childhood in various foster homes before finding her forever home with her current foster family. She speaks candidly about her anger growing up and the many traumatic experiences she faced. Describing herself as a “very troubled child”, Destiny found out at age four that the person she was living with was not her real mum. She found meeting her biological mum confusing and traumatic and expressed her feelings through angry outbursts. Destiny explains that “you need to find an outlet” and the foster home provided a safe environment to let out her emotions. Age 17, she hit rock bottom but then something changed. Destiny learned a different way to express her feelings. Slowly she came to a new understanding about her life and her experiences. Now, Destiny speaks passionately about learning to accept the past and live in the present. She shares what’s important to her in life, her hopes and her dreams. She believes even small acts of self-care (drinking tea’s a biggie) help to shape a brighter future. And, for her, family comes above everything – the foster parents who allowed her to grow, to become Destiny.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
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Sarah Jane wears two different hats when it comes to fostering and adoption. She’s a foster carer recruitment officer for National Fostering Group and an adoptive mum to her 11-year-old son. At work, it’s her job to meet would-be foster carers and tell them what fostering’s all about, alongside looking after the agency’s team of foster carers. She helps people who want to foster get a realistic understanding of what’s involved and prepare to apply. Sarah Jane has personal experience of the challenges of bringing a child into your home after adopting her son eight years ago. Candidly, she describes feeling like she’d “kidnapped” him from his family when he first arrived and how many things she wishes she’d done differently. Looking after a child who’s experienced trauma can be challenging and she’s learned what a difference Therapeutic Parenting makes – helping a child understand their emotions, responding with acceptance, compassion and empathy. Both at home and at work, she’s witnessed the benefits of allowing children to feel what they feel without trying to fix it. It’s not an easy journey but helping a child feel they belong somewhere is the most rewarding thing ever – supporting them to become the best they can be.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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Coming up in episode 4. We meet Carol and her daughter Emma and hear their incredible story of how being a fostering family has shaped their lives, from her adopting her foster child Ryan to how they all come together to support each other in difficult times. Carol has a wealth of experience and this is an incredible episode to listen to.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

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To conclude our first season of "Focus on Fostering," we're thrilled to present a truly extraordinary episode. Join us as we introduce you to Geoff, a dedicated foster carer, and his remarkable young person, Aiden, both of whom played featured in the compelling BBC One Documentary, "Teens in Care."

As is our tradition, our episodes are unscripted and utterly authentic. However, in this particular instalment, we've decided to forgo our regular host, Helen, in favor of offering you an intimate glimpse into the everyday life of a foster family. What better way to achieve this than by having 17-year-old Aiden and his foster carer, Geoff, engage in a candid exchange of questions? They'll be sharing their experiences in the world of fostering, as well as offering valuable advice to fellow carers and young people alike.

To cap off this special episode, we've arranged a friendly competition to determine who knows each other better. Be prepared for some fierce rivalry, as it turns out that both Aiden and Geoff are quite the competitors!

If you would also like to watch this episode you can find it here.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

Send us a text

In this episode of 'Voices of Fostering,' Ruth, a dedicated foster carer for 15 months, shares her inspiring journey into fostering. A former teacher and mother of three, Ruth always aspired to foster but only began the process after reconnecting with a friend who was also a foster carer. Ruth discusses the rigorous yet necessary assessment process, emphasising that fostering is a viable option for older individuals. She advocates for fostering teenagers and asylum seekers, attributes her success to the support of her fostering agency, and highlights the emotional rewards and cultural enrichment fostering has brought to her life. Ruth also touches upon her plans to welcome a second foster child soon.

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email [email protected]
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube