Foster carers describe the positive impact of fostering

BY ALICE FULLER
james@slpmedia.co.uk

A young same-sex couple have described the positive impact fostering has had on their lives in a bid to inspire others to do the same.

Natalie and Terri (above) fostered two sisters, aged four months and 11 years, to keep them from being separated in the care system.

The married couple, from Bromley, said they couldn’t be happier with their experience and want to encourage others to consider fostering vulnerable children.

“We could not have known what a positive and profound impact the children would have on us and our wider family. It has been a whirlwind of a year, but the outcome has been incredible.

“We were very motivated by the idea of giving a home to children who end up in the care system, and we felt it would be especially great if we could help prevent siblings being separated.”

“After a rocky start, the sisters settled into their new home and began to thrive.

“After some time, we began to see the positive change in their physical and mental health and development.

Establishing and growing the relationships that we have with both children has been an incredible journey.

Natalie and Terri fostered the children through TACT, the UK’s largest fostering and adoption charity.

They are keen to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and take on the role of foster carer, but said it was “natural” to feel worried at first. They said: “When children first arrive, your world will turn upside down.

This does eventually settle down with routines and most importantly, you start to form relationships with these young, vulnerable children.

“Ensure that they see you as their voice and advocate. Make them a part of your family for however long their time with you will be. They too have a right to live in a caring and nurturing home.”

For more information on fostering through TACT, visit tactcare.org.uk