Have you considered fostering?
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Are you considering fostering as a way to positively influence the life of a child? You are not alone! Here are some comments from people across the diocese who have been involved in fostering and have been part of making a difference in the lives of so many children.
Do come along and find out more about fostering on Wednesday 14 June at 7.00 p.m. A light supper will be provided as well as the opportunity to meet with experienced foster carers and people from the Herts County Council Foster Care Unit. If you are coming, please let us know by contacting Valerie Geldard on 01727 851748 or send an e-mail to Valerie.geldard@stalbans.anglican.org
“We have been fostering for almost 3 years, and have looked after about 10 children for periods ranging from a single day to a couple of weeks. We have gradually learned to assume nothing about the children’s past experiences, but have been constantly surprised by their resilience in handling what life has thrown at them. As Christians we see foster care as a calling, and we were forced to confront the potential cost to our family during the comprehensive training and assessment offered as part of the approval process. We also believe that as foster carers we can play our own small part in God’s special concern for those who are vulnerable. Foster carers’ pay and allowances more than cover our costs, but the rewards are far more than financial.”
David and Rachel Martin
“For me fostering was about people. Primarily the children, but also their families, the social workers, teachers, health professionals, contact supervisors and others who are all looking to achieve the best outcome possible for this particular child. It was about providing a loving, welcoming, safe environment for the children to relax in and make their home in while decisions were made. It was then also about advocating for the children enabling them to have their voice herd. It was a very busy, sometimes stressful, but happy time for me with many more successes than failures to look back on .”
Sarah Jane Elliott
“There is no such thing as an ideal family to do this job. People are needed from all backgrounds- single, married, divorced, with or without children of their own, working or non-working, who can provide a stable, understanding and caring environment to help youngsters develop their potential.
Job satisfaction can be enormous.”
