“We’re still learning new things everyday”

Getting ready to care for your first foster child is very exciting, but it’s very natural to be anxious too. Follow our tips and tricks.

“We’re still learning new things everyday”

Sixteen years ago, Daniel and Susan began their fostering journey. With friends and family suggesting they would make great foster parents they felt inspired to apply.

The couple hasn't looked back since and has fostered over 20 children giving them all a safe and loving environment to call home.

Talking about the decision to become foster carers, Daniel, explained: “We are foster carers because we wanted to provide a safe and stable home for a child as well as welcoming them into a family.”

It took Daniel and Susan a year from start to finish to complete the process and although that may seem a long time to some, the couple believes the rewards are completely worthwhile.

The couple said: “helping children move on and secure college places is the most rewarding part of our job.

“Of course, there are also challenges we face on a daily basis, but this is just childlike behaviour that you’d get from any child/teenager. As foster parents, we ensure we listen and help with strategies to overcome such problems, it’s all part of the process.”

Daniel and Susan had no previous experience of working with children before taking up fostering.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our friends, family and especially the whole team at ISP Rainham.

“We spoke to numerous carers before making our first steps. I would advise anyone to do the same and to go into fostering with your eyes open and be willing to learn because you never stop learning when you are a foster carer.”

It’s estimated that fostering services need to recruit a further 5,900 foster families in the next 12 months in the UK. If you’d like to learn more about the role of a foster carer, then please get in touch with our friendly team - we’d love to hear from you.