Being a Foster Carer after Growing Up in Foster Care: Lucy's Story
Date published
29 July 2024
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Becoming a Foster Family after growing up in foster care.
"Look at us. We’re changing the world."
Lucy has been fostering with Blue Sky Fostering for almost five years. During that time she has fostered teenagers, as well as had some children stay for respite. Now she fosters a 12-year-old boy. He is very much an integral part of their foster family, recently becoming an older brother to Lucy’s new baby. Lucy says, “He’s stuck with us!”.
“I wanted to give something back
Growing up in foster care, to becoming a foster carer.
In the film below, Lucy shares her experience of growing up in foster care from age two. Lucy’s home is beautifully tidy and comfortable. She gives off a relaxed and contented air as she juggles her baby between discussing her time as a foster carer. After her childhood in a foster family, Lucy went on to University and work, before settling down with her husband to embrace fostering and family life. The experience of becoming a foster carer has given her a renewed sense of ownership and pride over her past.
I think I can empathize with a lot of young people growing up in foster care; I felt as an adult that it wasn’t until I became a foster carer that I was proud to say I grew up in foster care.”
A 'chequered past' provides life experiences that can make you the ideal foster carer.
She describes the process of becoming a foster carer - including overcoming her fear of describing her ‘chequered past’ of her twenties while going through the Form F process. “All these life experiences that you’ve overcome, actually make you the ideal foster carer.”
Lucy acknowledges that fostering has highs and lows, as she quips, “When it comes to fostering, there is never a dull moment!”.
Lucy acknowledges that fostering has highs and lows, as she quips, “When it comes to fostering, there is never a dull moment!”.
“I’ve had some days that I don’t know how I’m going to get through, and I’ve had tears of joy watching my young people make achievements
Category
Fostering stories
Topics
- Foster Carer
- In person
- Advice
- Young person
Date published
29 July 2024
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Skills to Foster Training: with Nicki Molton
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