Danielle, Michael and their daughter Lillie have been fostering with FCA for 3 years.
They had thought about fostering for a few years but the time never seemed right. It wasn’t until Danielle was made redundant from her job and would have the time to be able to support a child that they decided to take the next step. They very much believe everything happens for a reason! Danielle’s mum and step dad are also foster carers with FCA and seeing them do it and the difference they make to the children lives, was a definite factor in their decision.
They had a really good knowledge of fostering before coming in to it and they spoke at length with family and friends. Danielle said; “Some family members did wonder how it would impact on our daughter but our response to that was, she is young and she would grow up in a fostering family and would be use to it.”
Danielle’s mum, Jackie referred Danielle and Michael through the FCA word of mouth scheme. As part of this scheme if you refer a friend you receive £1,500 once they are approved and a further £1,500 after they complete their first year of fostering, so it was a no brainer to them when Danielle and Michael decided they wanted take the first step in their fostering journey.
Danielle said; “we were approved in October 2018 and received our first placement in the November. It has been a very rewarding experience so far, challenging at times but it has definitely been the right decision for our family and we look forward to helping many children. Our best fostering moment so far, has to be received a Mother’s Day card from our young person, with a heartfelt message inside. It really was a special moment.”
“There is so much support on offer from FCA. We have a supervising social worker that is always on the phone and she visits us regularly. We have a great relationship and go to her for any support we need. FCA also hold activities in the school holidays which are great. We have just been bowling, taken part in laser quest and crazy golf, which our looked after child and daughter loved! There is also out of hours social workers if you need them.
“If you are thinking about fostering, make sure it is right for all your family. Make sure you know about the support available to you and enjoy it. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending FCA.”
Exclusive Refer-a-Friend Scheme
As a member of the FCA family, you are ideally placed to recognise the skills and qualities needed to become a great foster parent. With our exclusive refer-a-friend scheme you can receive up to £3,000 for every family you recommend who becomes approved and completes 12 months of fostering.
Simple Guide:Trauma in Foster Children
In foster care, many of the children are healing from childhood trauma that involved being abused or neglected. However, it’s extremely rewarding to help troubled children try to conquer their battles and come out the other side stronger.
Find out more about how to foster a child with trauma.