Foster parents get asked;
How do I get into fostering?
What sort of person volunteers?
I can only speak on behalf of me and the many fostering folk I've met in my time.
We meet at training sessions, support meetings, supervision events, coffee mornings, social things, anniversary do's. Christmas dinners.
Sometimes, when chatting you find yourself asking other carers; "What did you do before fostering?"
It's not a question I like to ask or be asked, because there's so much more to people than their jobs.
But it occurs to me that potential carers might find my story helps them pick up the stick and run.
My story is thatb I think I'd always liked young people. After all, I used to be one.
I remember being misunderstood and neglected by so many adults. Teachers, bus conductors, shop assistants… they all seemed think I was just a kid so why bother?
When I was old enough I volunteered at my local youth club to be a helper, and got hooked.
But volunteer youth work doesn't pay the rent. Once married we needed a second income. I landed a job running a desk at an Estate Agents. I used to have to write 'copy' for each new house they put on the market; "A delightful ground floor two bedroom apartment with a modern kitchen/diner". You get the picture.
I got to know the local newspaper sub editor who I sent the 'copy' to.
He ended up asking me for a drink, and we ended up an item.
Then… recession...
Made redundant I did some shelf stacking at Tesco and was about to start a car valetting business when the sub editor of that local paper got in touch. Said he needed someone to write lots of words in return for very little money.
A contact, it's how the world works.
Obs I agreed, so now I'm a 'journalist'. And just about making ends meet.
And partnered to a good guy and happy.
But. There was a bit missing.
I kept stirring my pot about fostering.
So, one afternoon, in between writing up "Faulty Iron Started Blaze" and "Residents Fury about Dog Waste", I Googled "Fostering near me" and Blue Sky came up top of the list.
I phoned. We talked.
And here I am, happy, years on.
The fostering "allowance" - the money one you get for fostering - covers the expense of a child in your home plus a bit more for your time and effort. It's not a life changing payment but it's a big help with family expenses.
But there;s more to fostering than the fortnightly cheque.
Nothing, besides my own family, has made me anywhere near as happy as fostering.
If you're giving it some thought, take it a bit further and make the call.