We’ve been speaking with our foster carers and learning more about why they decided to foster, especially those that have taken a change in direction in life and made a significant change to become foster carers.
Jen from Bridgend started fostering in 2020 and is one of our carers that was approved during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jen and her young son welcomed a local child into their home in December 2020, who is currently still with them.
Why did you decide to foster?
“I worked as a manager for a training company previously, which was a stressful & busy job. During lockdown in early 2020 my hours were reduced, plus I worked from home and enjoyed a change of pace and the chance to be spend more time at home with my son.
When I was made redundant in June 2020, I decided not to look for a similar job but wanted to do something that gave me more time at home and something more meaningful. Fostering was something I had considered previously but had been reluctant to leave the security of a job. Redundancy gave me the opportunity and push to pursue fostering.”
How long did it take to be approved for fostering?
“Once I decided to look into fostering, I researched what company to approach, and approached the local authority at the beginning of June 2020.
My assessment & training took about 5-6 months and I was approved in Nov 20, with my first placement about 3 weeks later in Dec 20 who is still with me.”
For further information on the fostering panel that happens at the end of your assessment process, visit Foster Wales Swansea’s handy blog.
Does having your own children stop you from fostering?
Every family dynamic is different. Some of our foster families already have children, some have children that live with them, some have older children who have left home, some have no children of their own. We only ask that you have a spare room for the foster child to have a space of their own. See our common questions to learn more.
Jen shared with us a bit of background info about her family dynamic:
“I am a single parent living with my 7-year-old son who is non-verbal and autistic.
I still work but part-time in an admin role for the NHS which is fairly flexible and is working from home.
It can be a juggle, organising two children who attend different schools and a part-time job but my mum lives nearby and provides great support and help!”
What is fostering like compared to your previous role?
“Fostering can be busy, demanding and stressful at times… but it’s completely different, and more rewarding than a traditional 9-5 job.
It’s more like being a professional parent, providing care and support and a positive home environment.”
What do you enjoy most about your fostering journey?
“Fostering is rewarding and meaningful in that you’re able to provide care and support, and a safe and secure home for someone who needs it.
The rewards are being able to have a positive impact on someone’s life and seeing a child settle and thrive as a result of your care.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
“Being a foster carer takes good organisation and parenting skills. It’s about providing a safe, secure, positive and caring environment to someone who needs it.”
The last two years may not have gone as we’d all planned, but as we enter 2022 there’s no better time for a fresh outlook on life.
Is it time for a change?
At Foster Wales Bridgend we’re asking you to consider the possibility of welcoming in a local foster child, to provide a stable, caring place for them to call home. We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about helping others and want to start a rewarding and fulfilling journey to help brighten the future of local children.
There’s plenty of information on our website but we encourage you to get in touch, ask us questions and start the conversation about fostering!
We just want to help as many local children as possible, and it all starts with you in 2022.
