Megan and her partner Marc are newly approved Foster Carers for Foster Wales Cardiff. We caught up with Megan, to find out why they decided to go into fostering, the process to becoming a foster carer and how she is finding it.
How long have you been fostering?
We have been fostering for 5 months now.
How many children have you cared for?
We have cared for 4 children altogether; they have all come to stay with us for short breaks.
What motivated you to start fostering?
My mum fostered when I was a child, so I grew up in a fostering family from when I was 4. I thoroughly enjoyed growing up in that environment. When I had my daughter, I knew fostering was something I wanted to do.
What was your career prior to fostering?
I was a police officer before fostering, I really enjoy caring and supporting but I always knew I wanted to be a foster carer. I decided to give up my job to concentrate on raising my young daughter who is nearly 2 and foster. It was a really easy decision for me but there was lots I had to consider.
How did you find the process to becoming a foster carer?
The process to become a foster carer is very thorough and took a few months to complete. It did make me feel certain that I was the right type of person to become a carer which was re-assuring to know.
What do you enjoy most about being a foster carer?
It’s the little moments that make it so worthwhile, I assisted with one of the children’s first steps. I love taking them to clubs and they wave and smile at you. There are little things that happen each week where you see slight changes and progress, it’s so rewarding.
How has you daughter adapted to being part of a foster family?
She is loving it; she is very laid back. It was lovely to see her running around the garden with one of the foster children blowing bubbles.
What support do you receive from Foster Wales Cardiff to help you care for the young people?
My supervising social worker is fantastic, one of the best people I have ever met. She is approachable and knowledgeable. There is lots of training available. The Emergency support team are always able to help if I have had a problem. The other foster carers have also been a great support, I can chat to them, share advice and experiences.
How would you describe your fostering experience so far?
It is a rollercoaster, in our short time fostering, we have had some really positive experiences, we have had fabulous days out, we have witness and helped with children achieving some great milestones but there have also been some challenges to overcome some as bed wetting and regression after spending time with birth family.
Fostering is life changing, but in a good way. If you want to foster for the right reasons, then do it!
If reading Megan and Marc’s story has encouraged you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
