Long-term fostering is a commitment that can transform lives—both for the children and the foster carers who welcome them into their homes. We spoke to Claire, a dedicated foster carer, about her experiences and insights gained over the past four years.
Why Foster?
When asked why she decided to become a foster carer, Claire shared, “It was always something we wanted to do. We had always thought about it, but at this time, my husband had retired from the fire service but still wanted to continue working. I was working full-time, but we both thought we had a lot to give.” Their decision was fuelled by a shared desire to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives while embarking on a fulfilling new chapter together.
The Rewards of Long-Term Foster Care
Claire and her husband began their fostering journey with a short-term placement of siblings. However, it soon became clear that the children would benefit from staying with them long-term. Claire explained, “We had made a relationship with the children, had the room, the knowledge, and love to give them, so we were happy to have them with us. The rewards for the children of staying with us long-term is stability and knowing this is their home, which makes them feel more at ease.”
One moment that stood out to Claire was when one of the children, who initially exhibited nervous behaviours like folding her clothes and taking her plates to the sink, began to relax. “Now she’s able to behave like any other child and feel comfortable in her home,” Claire said with a smile. “This is their safe place.”
Overcoming Challenges
Claire noted “The children had been through trauma, and we needed to help them through this and continue to do so. It has gotten easier as we’ve built a relationship, they trust us, and they know this is their home.”
Preparing for Long-Term Fostering
Building a supportive environment was key to Claire’s fostering success. “Our family was very on board with our decision to foster. We spoke to our birth children before applying, and they were very happy with this,” she explained. The wider family has embraced the children as their own, sharing family holidays and creating cherished memories together. “They are treated like any other member of the family, and they feel that. It’s lovely to see,” Claire added.
Support from Foster Wales Cardiff
Claire emphasized the importance of having strong support systems in place. “We have great support and training. Both the children’s social worker and our social worker have been great. We’ve had lots of training, which has been very good. Only positive things I can say about the service,” she shared.
Advice for Aspiring Foster Carers
For those considering fostering, Claire’s advice is simple: “It’s not as scary as you think. If you’re interested, you probably have the skills. It’s not to be taken lightly but have a conversation. It’s so rewarding. Some children have had terrible experiences, and you can impact their lives positively, give them the prospect of a future, and help them heal.”
Final Thoughts
Claire’s journey as a foster carer demonstrates the profound impact that love, stability, and commitment can have on a child’s life. For Claire and her family, fostering is more than just a role—it’s a calling that has enriched their lives as much as the children they’ve welcomed into their home.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, why not take Claire’s advice and start the conversation? You could be the safe place and steady support a child needs to thrive.
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
