Foster Care Stories
Paul’s story
“I’m so glad that we did start fostering because it’s the best decision that we ever made.”
Paul started his fostering journey along with partner Barry four years ago. Having worked in the charity sector for 20 years raising money to support vulnerable children, Paul was keen to play more of direct role.
Paul explains how the support and training at Team Fostering has helped prepare him for looking after children with a wide variety of needs.
He explains, “I’ve always worked in retail to help and support vulnerable children. Raising the money is one thing, but actually going and doing it is totally different. It’s always something I wanted to do, to be on the front lines and actually do it myself.”
Taking the leap to foster
A number of years later, Paul’s god children came to live with him and Barry during lockdown. This reignited a spark, made him rethink his priorities and set the wheels in motion.
Paul said: “I looked online and found Team Fostering. Got a phone call from someone who was absolutely amazing. He was so warm and it really made you feel like he wanted you to be part of the team.
“The process feels quite intrusive. But it’s for the right reasons. It felt a bit overwhelming at first but luckily we didn’t let that stop us.”
Fantastic training from Team Fostering
Paul and Barry dipped their toe in the water by first starting off with short break care, progressing to longer term fostering when that was a positive experience. Paul explains how the training has been invaluable.
He said: “The training’s been fantastic because it’s really stuff you need to know. I’d already done lots of training with Team before we even got our first young person.
“I really wanted to be prepared. And I didn’t want to let anyone down. It really helped my understanding with attachment and trauma and all that sort of stuff.”
Tailored support when you need it
When dealing with the complex needs of a young person, Team Fostering were there to offer an extra helping hand.
Paul said: “Because it was so full on they put some extra support in place where they came and took them out for a little bit to give us a bit of a break.
“At the time, we didn’t feel like we needed it. But looking back, you appreciate they were thinking of us and wanted to make sure we weren’t burning out.”
For Paul, fostering has given him so many rewards. He said: “Seeing someone’s confidence grow, seeing them learn new skills, seeing them just grow up and have fun, and be able to be kids and just be safe and happy. It makes you feel really special.
“I’m so glad that we did start fostering because it’s the best decision that we ever made.”
Are you ready to make to leap to become a foster carer like Paul? Or perhaps you’d just like to ask some initial questions? Give us a call on 0800 292 2003 or complete our online enquiry form below.