The tenth of each month is a very poignant date for us. It’s the date three young siblings came to be part of our family; a positive & worthwhile experience.
I had often thought of becoming a Foster Parent but always knew the timing had to be right. As my youngest child was almost ready to leave for university the timing suddenly became perfect.
My working background had always involved children; generally speaking, my experience was with new born babies & toddlers.
When I first contacted By the Bridge it was apparent the biggest need was for teenager Foster Parents.
Training with all members of By the Bridge was invaluable & any questions we had along the way were always answered in a friendly but professional way. It was made very clear that support would be there for us around the clock.
Sarah our lovely Social Worker made many visits to our home to get to know myself & my husband. She visited our grown-up children & feedback proved to me that they were also on board with us taking on a new role.
After going through all the checks and references we came through panel at the end of October 2019.
Initially attending supervision groups made me feel a bit of a fraud as I didn’t have a fostering story to tell. Feeling that all I could do was listen. What I soon learnt was attending these groups was vital. These meetings along with the training proved support to be crucial as well as sharing ideas & experiences.
The referrals started to come in and with the help of my Supervising Social Worker Nicole we looked at suitability.
I was on a training course in February when I received a phone call from Nicole. I remember popping in and out to speak to Nicole who was on the phone to the children’s social worker. This was for three siblings; not two as I had originally thought. I was asked to think about it. I didn’t think long and thought let’s just try.
On a dark rainy day eleven months ago, I opened my door to very lively twin boys of 13 & their sister of 12.
I have to say we have been incredibly lucky as we have the easiest children to look after.
They are just the politest of children. They have a story to tell but they just embrace life and enjoy being together.
When they were recently asked to complete a form about recommending us as Foster Parents they wrote the words ‘No Vacancies’. We have been claimed as theirs and they won’t share us. They see our home as their home which is just the way it should be, settled and content.
Our journey has been completely positive. Learning early on that the most important thing for us all was trust, honesty, talking and listening.
Of course, like any family there can be a few bumps along the way but all were manageable because By the Bridge are always there to give advice, training & support.
Could you become a Foster Parent and change a young person's life? Get in Touch with By the Bridge today to find out more!
