Experience The Rewards of Fostering
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2010
Location: UK
Details:
Susan Goodchild has been approved as a foster carer for Rainbow Fostering Services Ltd in May 2005 and has looked after 5 children during this time. The youngest child was 6 and the eldest young person come to her at 15 and left at 18 to move into a semi independent flat. Susan is always actively involved in Rainbow Fostering activities and events and this year she helped organize a barbecue for children, young people and their carers. She has received two Foster Carer Awards for her outstanding contribution to fostering for Rainbow.
Susan’s motivation to become a foster carer came from a friend at school who was brought up in a children’s home and missed a family life. As a manager in a previous job, she also enjoyed training and guiding young people when they applied for work experience. Taking all these factors into consideration and once Susan had a spare bedroom available she decided to become a foster carer to support young people to develop self confidence and independence, to reach their full potential, to encourage them in their life skills and education. Seeing the progress they make gives Susan an incredible buzz. The fun they bring to the home, the smiles and laughter are the most rewarding things about fostering for her.
She has faced some challenges when foster children first come into care as they initially find it difficult to accept boundaries and can be quite challenging in regards to being home on time and regular attendance at school. Once they realize these boundaries are put in place because you care for them, they settle down. Susan confirmed that most parents work with you knowing you are doing your best for their child and support the foster carer.
Susan said that Rainbow Fostering are always very welcoming and supports her by being there 24/7. She appreciates the fact that there is always someone she can call for advice and she has a good relationship with her link worker.
Susan stated that Rainbow offers training to let her grow and she has recently completed the NVQ3 course in Caring for Children and Young People. She is also pleased with the Saturday school run by Rainbow to help children struggling with their school work and a support group organized every six weeks where foster carers can learn about new legislations and share their experiences.
For Susan fostering is like having a large extended family. She enjoys the Christmas parties, Awards Ceremony for Children and BBQs. She has made many new friends since joining Rainbow from all multicultural backgrounds.
Susan would definitely encourage people to become foster carers. She said: ‘The warm glow it gives you and the rewards of fostering far out way the challenges. That little smile from a child touches your heart and you know you have made a difference.’
If you are interested in fostering please call Rainbow Fostering Services Ltd on 020 8427 3355 or visit
www.rainbowfostering.co.uk
