“There hasn’t been a day in my time living with Bob and Dawn that they haven’t made a positive impact on my life.”
Rotherham teenager Kelly is cared for by foster carers Bob and Dawn. Kelly’s fostering experience is incredibly positive and inspiring. We were lucky to ask Kelly about her experiences in foster care. In her own words, Kelly shares how her confidence has grown and her advice for foster carers.
Entering foster care
When Kelly first entered foster care she was understandably very nervous:
“As most kids, I was scared and wanted my mum, I didn’t trust anyone… but now I understand that it was for the best, and by realising this and by trusting people, I have personally flourished being in care.”
“I have learnt what hard work is and that everything you want should be worked for. By being in care I have been taught what the ‘real world’ is like… that has made me appreciate things more than I ever would have.”
The impact of foster care
Before she met Bob and Dawn, Kelly was struggling at school and didn’t have any dreams or aspirations. Since living with her foster carers, Kelly’s life has been transformed:
“Our relationship is amazing...Foster care has changed my life entirely. When I was younger I didn’t have a dream job or anything to look forward to… but when I moved in with Bob and Dawn that all changed. I wanted to work, earn my own money and spoil those around me. I learned that this is only possible if I put my mind to it.”
“Bob and Dawn have given me a strong work ethic and I am so grateful that they have because without them I wouldn’t be striving to get all my qualifications, going to uni for a business degree and working towards working on cruise ships.”
The journey to independence
Kelly has created some wonderful memories with her foster carers and has developed life skills that have enabled her to become more confident and independent:
“Everyday is memorable. Bob and Dawn have made my time in care with them special. They have taught me pretty much everything I know. I have so many skills that will aid me for life like household chores, cooking, cleaning, washing etc. I will forever be grateful towards Bob and Dawn for everything they have done for me.”
“Even though we aren’t blood related, they are my family no matter what. They are the only people that have made me realise that I’m not just a teenager in care but that I can make a difference, and I can be the one to make a change no matter what others say.”
“They have shaped me into the person I am today. They are the best, most hardworking people I know, and one day I hope to be the exact same.”
What makes a good foster carer?
Kelly told us about the qualities that she thinks make a great foster carer. She also shared her advice for anyone who is thinking about fostering:
“Qualities that are important in care are trust, respect, boundaries and understanding, not only on one side, but both. Foster families should sit down and discuss what they would like to happen in the house. When I first moved in with Bob and Dawn, we sat down and made ‘house rules’, these included things like ‘help to clean’, as this is not only the carer's house but the child’s too and they should help out.”
Kelly’s advice for anyone considering becoming a foster carer is:
“Do it, it is extremely rewarding, yes there are ups and downs but when you change a child’s life it is all worth it.”
NB. Kelly’s name has been changed for anonymity.