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Fostering in Scotland
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Embracing the Challenges of Fostering in Perth
July 13, 2011
Iain and Joy, a couple fostering in Perth, have four children of their own and have had nine different types of placements with FCA. Joy was a midwife who hoped to become more directly involved in children’s lives and, when the couple met FCA staff at an event in Perth, they decided it was time to pursue their interest.
“The difference you can make to children in the short time they are with you has got to be the biggest reward,” says Iain. “There’s such satisfaction in seeing huge changes in children and being able to give back something of the joy of childhood which many children have lost.
“Foster care is very hard work and can be frustrating at times but it’s just so rewarding. No two children are the same. Fostering has enhanced our lives, as well as those of our children, and brought us all closer.”
Fostering in Perth with FCA
For Iain and Joy, their career as foster carers has been well supported by the team at FCA Scotland, although they have also found great pride in being able to find their feet as a team.
“Our Supervising Social Worker is great and very supportive,” insists Iain. “And other services within our local FCA office can also be accessed if required. But you build your own support systems and knowledge which really is equally as important.
“There is a variety of foster carer training available from FCA which is very useful. But again, you need to keep reading and learning and looking for opportunities yourself to build your experience and knowledge.”
A positive experience of foster care
“To anyone thinking about fostering I’d tell them to think hard, speak to someone who is doing it, find out what is involved and how it will affect you and your family, but don’t be put off if you really want to make a difference,” says Iain. “Fostering is such a rewarding experience and you never know what to expect.
“For instance, Joy and I didn’t originally intend to get involved with children with disabilities but our first placement was a little boy with special needs. We grew to love this boy very quickly and now have him on a permanent placement. He has become part of our family.
“Just keep an open mind; you may surprise yourself!”
For more information about fostering in Perth or to become a foster carer with FCA, call us on 0800 023 4561 or enquire online today.
