Kerry and Kevin supported an existing foster carer couple and had gained some experience and insight into becoming a foster carer. Soon after they felt their family were ready to take their journey in to fostering.
I knew fostering was something I wanted to do and I gained a lot of experience and understanding about fostering from Mel and Ian. So, when Kaitlyn started secondary school I felt my family was ready to take on our own journey and I never had any doubt that I wanted to foster for Capstone as they are very supportive and professional.
I made the call to Capstone in January 2017 and very soon after one of the Capstone team members came to visit us at our home to discuss the process, we then went on a training course called Skills to Foster, this course was excellent and very well delivered, it really did give us an insight on becoming foster carers.
We then started the assessment process where a social worker paid us weekly visits, the assessor made this process very easy and fun, she also spoke to our children and made them feel part of the process which was very important to us.
When the Panel day arrived 8th August 2017, we felt nervous of course but when we arrived everyone put us at ease straight away, the Panel asked myself and my husband a few questions based on our assessment.
When they said they were happy to approve us we were overwhelmed and so excited!
We then received a letter of congratulations from Capstone, it was then just a case of waiting for a child or young person to be referred to us, I couldn’t wait!
I received the call I was waiting for on 30th August 2017 asking us if we would be willing to look after a 11-year-old girl, we discussed this as a family and said yes, that day our young person arrived, the support we received from Capstone on such short notice made the hand over easy and comfortable. Our young person settled in very quickly and I strongly believe this is due to the support you get from Capstone, they are always just a phone call away.
Even though our young person has only been with us since August, all parties involved have said what massive changes they can see in her which is so nice to hear. Fostering can be difficult in many ways but how rewarding it is seeing changes you are making to their life overrides any negatives. I can honestly say I have the best job in the world and I am really looking forward to our future.
I am so very proud of my children, family and friends, we have all worked together, it’s not only you who fosters, your whole family fosters alongside you.
Our daughter Kaitlyn said: “I think it’s a really nice thing to do, it helps children that don’t have their own family, I feel like I have a new sister”
Here’s what our young person had to say; “I love Kerry and Bill” (this is what she calls my husband haha) “They treat me like a daughter, I want to stay with them forever.”
If fostering is something that’s been on your mind, why not send Capstone an enquiry to find out if you could do it too!
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
