The thing that has helped D the most is that he has totally and utterly appreciated and thrived on the stability we have been able to offer him.
He accepts the things we tell him are out of love and our want of the best for him, not just us trying to have a go at him.
If you’re wondering just how much of a difference foster carers can make to a child’s life, have a read of D’s story below:
One of the boys we have been long-term fostering is over 18 now and is staying put. He says it’s just because he likes my cake so much! But we have a feeling there may be a little more to it.
D came to us at 10 years old with a very low school attendance record. He couldn’t read or write, called himself thick and would be disruptive in class, including attempting to trash classrooms. I remember the first night he arrived with us and how upset he was. He said in the morning that it was the best night’s sleep he had ever had. With consistency, love and care, D has come so far since then.
D suffered from foetal alcohol syndrome, meaning his brain took on damage in the womb. He has to work twice as hard towards his goals, as someone else without this. It’s unfair, but that’s his reality and as he got older, something he looked into himself to find ways in which he could help himself too. These are the skills that we as foster parents are giving the children based on their own individual truths. You have to be honest with them to allow them to find their path. Something we are so proud of is that D had the choice to think to himself “poor me”, or “I am going to be the best that I possibly can be” and he chose the latter.
He accepts the things we tell him are out of love and our want of the best for him, not just us trying to have a go at him.
Fast forward to now and D has been accepted into college, is regularly attending and studying at level 3 on a stage technician course. He is also doing paid work at a local theatre, which is busy for him at the moment with the pantomimes.
He worked so hard to pass his exams to get to get to where he is which was so fantastic to see. It’s been incredible to see him come from where he was to the young man he is now and we are so proud of him.
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
