Foster Care Stories
James’ Story
“I have a fiancé and a whole new life – a total new set of responsibilities and purpose for being on this earth.”
James is one of our care leavers who asked to share his experience of being in care. This is his story in his own words.
Growing up I had it rough, not really a suitable environment to learn in. I cant even remember ever getting fed. The earliest memory I have is being three years old taking drugs with my dad and spewing into a bucket.
I was still in nappies at seven years old. Peeing the bed every night, it wasn’t until I was in care that I started to learn, grow and change.
A difficult start to life in care
I moved homes and to different schools more times than I’d of liked. I hated the fact I had to start over with a total new set of pals each time I moved. It seemed to consume me, my whole brain wave of thoughts. Uncontrollably lashing out for no reason. I put others at risk and in danger not even realising it.
In all of this and everything that was happening I wanted to go home, back to my parents. Who wouldn’t, right? I didn’t understand why I couldn’t go back and live with them (baring in mind I am seven years old)
I battled for years with myself why I couldn’t return. Just didn’t understand why it was happening or anything.
I came to the conclusion my parents just couldn’t parent or look after me properly.
When my life started to change
I’ve been able to travel the country and the world today because of the people that surround me today and the people that taught me in the past.
I have lived in poor environments and I have lived with people with money. I have seen first hand how to be treated and how to treat people, what not to do and what to do. Everything I’ve learnt has been a blessing taught by blessed people!
The difference my foster families made
I moved in with Grama Anne in 2009. I was nine years old. I learned to bake pies, scones and cakes. I got my first iPod here. I met my life time friend Leon as well! I stayed here for four years until 2013 when I had to leave and had to move away to Mandy’s in 2013 – 2017.
I learned life skills here that I will carry on with my kids and their kids to come. I learned how to iron, how to swim, kayak and canoeing, ice skating, Centre Parcs holiday retreat and even rock climbing.
How my experiences changed me as a person
All of these activities I went to encouraged me to mingle and make friends. I was in hobbies like cadets, running clubs, photography classes anything that would keep my mind stimulated all thanks to Team Fostering pushing me on to do bigger and better things with my life.
I now live my life everyday blessing the things that are good in this world.
I have a fiancé and a whole new life – a total new set of responsibilities and purpose for being on this earth.
Could you make a difference to a young person like James? Complete our enquiry form below and one of the team will be in touch about how you could become a foster carer with Team Fostering.