Meet foster parent Elaine from Bedfordshire who has been fostering for nearly decade with FCA Thames Valley.
It was 15 years ago during an Exchange Programme when Elaine was looking after children from Lithuania for a month that initially sparked her interest in extending her help to those within her local community. Leaving her job working in a hospitality, she took the plunge into fostering and never looked back.
Over the last 10 years, Elaine has looked after 6 children, including a young boy who been with her on a long-term placement for over 9 years.
So after nearly a decade of fostering, what’s her advice for welcoming a child?
“Show them around the house; where the bedroom is, where the toilet is, it’s important they can understand where everything is so it’s not overwhelming.”
She continued: “For anyone who is thinking about fostering, make sure you get as much information as you can, it is a big life choice, and a great one!”
Talking about the support that FCA offers, she said: “I’ve only got good things to say about the support I’ve had from my supervising social workers, managers – they’ve offered every bit of support I’ve needed, they is always someone on the end of the phone – if I need anyone, day or night.
When asked to sum up her fostering experience, Elaine replied: “We’ve had our ups and downs like anyone and it can be very challenging at times, but equally as rewarding – we wouldn’t change it for the world!”
If you've been thinking about fostering, then speak to one of our friendly advisors today and discover what it's like to foster with FCA.
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