Southwark foster carers share their experiences this Foster Care Fortnight
13 May 2019
Foster carers in Southwark have shared their experiences as part of Foster Care Fortnight (Monday 13- 26 May) in a bid to encourage more people in the borough to consider becoming carers themselves.
Dave has been caring for children since 1972 and currently cares for a teenage girl with learning difficulties. He started fostering with his wife but has continued as a single carer after she passed away in 2012, he says: “Fostering as a single man is not something I ever envisaged or thought about. To be honest, after when my wife died I didn’t think I would be able to carry on fostering. Social workers from Southwark Council spoke to the children and I was glad to hear they both adamantly wanted to stay with me. I’m glad I have been able to finish what my wife and I started.
“As many people say, fostering is a vocation not a job and it’s with good reason. Fostering is not a nine-to-five job. The best thing about fostering is seeing a child grow in confidence and leave care full of self esteem and making a go of life.
“To anyone thinking of fostering, I say go for it. Your life will be enriched and you will be helping someone who really needs it. Yes, it’s hard at first but you get oodles of training and lots of support.”
Debbie and Paul have been fostering since 2015 and currently have been caring for a teenage boy. Debbie said: “I wanted to become a foster carer and especially a foster carer for Southwark Council because it’s where I live and I think it is important Southwark people foster Southwark children.
“We found ourselves in a situation where our youngest went away to university and we were rattling around a three bedroom flat and it’s a joy to have youngsters coming into the home. It’s something that we both wish we had done sooner.
“We’re looking after a teenager at the moment I think there can be a lot of sensationalised stories about caring for older children. With teenagers you still have to be there and parent but they also like to have their own time. He’s part of our family and other foster children that we’ve had look up to him for advice.
“You only ever hear about the ‘impossible teenagers’ and that’s not the case for everyone. You don’t hear about the good things!”
Stella has been fostering for 18 years and has looked after over sixty children, she says: “I always say, fostering is not just a young person or a child coming into your home and you providing a roof and a safe environment: it’s about love. Especially with teenagers, they need someone to love them. You show them this tiny bit of love will help a teenager go a long way.
“If you woke me up in the middle of the night and asked me about the children I’ve cared for, over sixty children, I can tell you each ones date of birth and why they came to me. I can tell you that, but ask me what I had for breakfast and I can’t remember! That’s how they are to me. I always want to know what they are doing and how they are, even after they leave me.
“This Christmas we had over 20 of our children back. This time they came back with their partners and their children. Seeing them now and remembering them how they were- that’s the reward.”
Cllr Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, schools and adult care said: “I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all of our fantastic Southwark foster carers who open their homes to children when they need it the most. As a proud adoptive mum I know from personal experience the crucial role that foster carers play in the lives of the children in our care. The impact that foster carers can have on a young person just cannot be underestimated, providing a safe and loving home for a child who is going through a really difficult time can have a profound effect on a young person for the rest of their lives.
“Fostering is of course not without its challenges but many carers describe it as the best thing they have ever done. There is no such thing as a typical foster carer; our carers come from different walks of life and family make-up.
“It is incredibly important that we recruit more foster carers and while fostering is of course not without its challenges, many carers describe it as the best thing they have ever done. If you have room in your heart and space in your home for a child in need please do get in touch with our services."
If you have a spare room and are interested in finding out more please call 0800 952 0707 or email us.
Southwark residents fostering Southwark children get a 100 per cent discount on their Council Tax as well as additional allowances for birthdays, festivities, holiday and technology purchases.
There are regular information events held throughout the year on the second Tuesday of every month at Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR between 5.45pm to 7.45pm.
Page last updated: 13 May 2019
