Carol and Alan missed having children around; visits from their lovely grandchildren always reminded
them of how just how much they enjoyed having young people around their home. They decided to apply
to become foster carers.
“It was a close friend of Carol who first suggested it”, explains Alan. “She’s a foster carer for
the council and would often bring her foster children with her when she came to visit.
“Carol had already retired, so as well as having a loving home to offer, we felt we could dedicate
our time to supporting a foster child. We’re very familyorientated, so it was a natural decision for
us.”
Carol and Alan went along to a council-run information session. “We liked what they heard” said Carol,
“so we decided to go ahead. Initially, we were approved to take emergency placements, as well as 11-16
year-olds on a long term basis. We were nervous at first, but the social workers gave us plenty of
help and advice – we couldn’t have done without their support. And visits from our own grandchildren
helped make our home the right kind of place for other young people to be around.”
Alan added: “It feels like a real achievement when you build a positive, trusting relationship with
a young person who previously found it hard to trust adults. Really, all they need is support and encouragement
to make the right choices in life and reach their full potential. When you look after a young person
on a daily basis, it’s only natural that you begin to care for them deeply. That can be upsetting when
they move on, but at the same time hugely rewarding as well. After all, our efforts have helped them
become mature young adults, ready to make their own way in life.”
“We still get visits and phone calls from people who we’ve cared for in the past,” said Carol. “It’s
so touching that they remember the part we played in their lives – it makes us feel so proud.”
Alan and Carol have this advice for people who are thinking of becoming foster carers: “Get as much
information as possible, and talk to other foster carers and ask them to share their own experiences.
“It’s important to be realistic and remember that fostering can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
And discuss it with your own family too – their support can be invaluable.”
Two of Carol and Alan’s children – and their partners – have now become foster carers too. That’s
a recommendation in itself!
