I was watching the TV news, a camera crew was on the streets of Belfast asking members of the public about the Troubles.An elderly man said something that's stayed with me;"Anyone who thinks they understand the Troubles in Northern Ireland doesn't really know what's going on."See, I think the same about fostering.The last thing a foster parent should think is that they know all they need to know about...
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024
FOSTERING'S HONEYMOON PERIOD
Been a hectic couple of days. A new child coming into the home takes up all one's attention.So much for the foster parent to learn. And teach.It's an even bigger thing for every child coming into care.Jeez, think about it.When I was age ten I discovered I was being sent to live for a week with my mum's best friend, Vera Caldicott. She had two sons, the eldest being about my age.I was given no...
Friday, May 10, 2024
'ALICIA' ARRIVES. PART THREE
"ALICIA'S ARRIVAL" PART THREEAlicia drank coke and ate a biscuit. The kid seemed a quandary; gentle, soft and vulnerable on the one hand, yet hard as nails, bright as a button, and ready for the argument if one happened.Alicia seemed to use what seemed to me to be a deliberatly flighty voice (which might have been entirely authentic, I'll learn) and a light attitude to circumstances (being...
Wednesday, May 08, 2024
'ALICIA' ARRIVES. PART TWO
Alicia is arriving at 4.00pm. I've noticed that 4.00pm is a popular time to bring in a new foster child. There are so many subtle things in fostering. If the 4.00pm drop-off is a preferred practice I can only guess as to why it works. The social workers (one from the local authority - who are overall guardians of the child) plus a Blue Sky social worker (supporting us - the foster parents) usually...
Tuesday, May 07, 2024
A TRANSITIONING (PART ONE)
Had an interesting fostering day.PART ONEGot a call from Blue Sky; "Would I consider taking a child who…?"On the phone I got a thumbnail of the child.I said my usual 'definite maybe'. Blue Sky sent the paperwork.The child is Alicia, previously known as Troy.No problem so far, although she/he would be my first foster child aiming to transition.Alicia is 14 and has suffered neglect and abuse.Alicia...