Stacey is a full-time civil servant and single parent to her daughter. In January 2021, she decided to open her heart and home by becoming a foster carer. Now in her first placement, she and her daughter are hoping it becomes a long-term arrangement that could offer a child a forever home.
What made you want to pick up the phone and become a foster carer?
“It was about looking for an opportunity to help and support someone else. My daughter is a single child, and she was very excited to have someone else here. He now has a sibling to play with, someone to interact with and get to know. It’s really good because they get to grow and learn from that at the same time.”
What made you foster with your local authority and why is that important?
“I didn’t become a foster carer because you get paid to look after a child. I became a foster carer to make a difference, and make a difference in a way that, whether it’s a week, a couple of weeks, months, or years, I’ve made some sort of stamp on their life.
So for me, why not work with a local council? Why not work with the children that are in this area that need the help and support?
There may be a few obstacles, but that’s where support comes in. I know if I pick up my mobile and make a call, I get what I need. If I need help, guidance, or just someone to talk to, I pick up the phone and someone is there to support me and guide me through it.
First and foremost, it’s about sticking with the kids that are local. They’ve got their own friends, their own support. You want to try and keep everybody as close as possible.”
What encouragement would you give to anyone considering becoming a foster carer?
“Just reach out. Reach out and ask the question to the local council. You can have a conversation, find out some information, learn what the process is.
I think as long as in your heart you’ve got enough room to give that empathy and love to another person, and you’ve got the room in your property to do so, jump at it.
Because the rewards are just exceptional.”
Thinking of becoming a foster carer, like Stacey?
If you live in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
Living in Blaenau Gwent, Wales? Send us a message or give us a call on 01495 369620 and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
