Meet Vanessa, who knew from an early age that fostering was something she wanted to pursue. Now fostering for nearly 10 years, she shares her highlights and how it’s changed her life.
She explains: “The idea of being a foster parent was with me at a much younger age than when I applied. I used to look after my nieces and nephews and was the favourite aunty, people used to say to me; ‘you’d be brilliant at fostering’ so I started to consider the idea.”
It was working in a school and seeing first-hand the children that didn’t have the safe and loving home life they deserved that reignited her spark to want to make a difference through fostering.
She continues: “We started to research different fostering agencies and attended a FCA information evening, and FCA just felt right. They feel like they are family.”
“I get so much out of fostering, and I’ve grown in so many ways I wouldn’t have grown if I hadn’t of met these amazing young people that come into our lives. Whatever love and nurture we give, we get back, and it just helps us grow.”
“One stand-out moment was when I became a birthing partner to a young lady that had previously been in our care. It’s a privilege to know that I am her trusted person at her most vulnerable – it’s those moments that make us push through any challenges, because we know that it’s going to get better.”
“Over the years we’ve fostered a huge range of ages from as young as five, right up past eighteen. It a great opportunity for me to find my inner child, both my husband and I love it, it keeps us young!
“Fostering feels like it’s meant to be, I can’t see myself doing anything else now.”
“I would absolutely recommend FCA to anyone thinking of fostering, the support and training is brilliant. FCA really get to know us properly, they invest in us, and we feel valued and celebrated. Whether it be staff, other foster parents, social workers, there’s always somebody there. It’s like a big extended family!”
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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