Claire is a Rotherham teenager who has been in foster care for the last five years. Claire spoke to us about what it’s like to be a teenager in foster care. All the quotes are Claire’s experience, in her own words.
How did you first feel when you went into foster care?
At first Claire was worried about going into care, “as any foster kid would be, but now I'm not bothered as I've been in the system for five years now.” Claire told us that her first foster placement didn’t go well, but that once “they [the Fostering Team] let me move to my current carers, they have made me realise that foster care is a good thing, and there is someone there to help and support me.”
How would you describe your relationship with your foster carers?
“I would describe my relationship with them as something that is still building. I would also describe it as ‘my mum and dad’. Even though they can't replace my biological parents, they have taken the role on more.”
How has foster care changed your life?
“It’s changed my life a lot as I've learned how to be more mature… I'm in school more than I was…I now stay in school, about to do my GCSEs, and my mental health is now improving.”
Claire told us that a one of her most memorable moments with her foster family was a recent holiday together:
“They took me to Skegness for my first time ever. I've never been even though it's a typical British holiday.”
Sharing new experiences, such as holidays, with children and teens in foster care can benefit the whole family. It gives foster carers the chance to try out new things. It also helps the children in care to develop social skills and empathy, and creates a sense of belonging.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in foster care?
“One of my most biggest challenges was my mental health as it was really bad.”
Fortunately, Claire has now overcome these challenges by accepting help and support from her foster carers and the Fostering Rotherham team. Claire also told us: “I listen to music, that's a way, my number one [way to] help.”
What is one thing you appreciate most about your foster carers?
“The thing I appreciate about my carers is that they are so supportive and push me to achieve [and to be] my best self I can be.”
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Claire now has big plans for her future career: “my dream is that either I work with kids or do photography for weddings and events.” Being in foster care has had a huge impact on Claire. Her experience of the foster care system has meant that she “would like to help children” and “understand those that are struggling.” Claire is also keen to help people “understand kids in care.”
Claire is passionate about photography and told us: “I love taking photos.”
What advice would you give to someone considering being a foster carer for teenagers?
Claire’s advice for foster carers who care for teenagers is:
“Always be patient with the child, give them space, listen to what they have to say and just in general treat them like your own child, even if you have kids.”
Above all Claire’s recommends that foster carers “keep calm, collected, and accepting.”
NB Claire’s name has been changed for anonymity.