Permanent fostering gives looked after children a sense of belonging to a foster family for the duration of their childhoods. It can make an immeasurable difference to the life of a child who is unable to ever return to their birth family.
Our children give us feedback each year on how they feel about living with their foster carers.
Here are some of the things our children have told us about living with their Swiis foster carers, and the impact their carers have had on their lives:
‘She made me welcome to her home and family.’
‘She has taught me how to keep safe.’
‘I love my room because it’s covered in emojis and unicorns.’
‘When I got my teeth out I got food to gulp down and would get cuddles.’
‘I have overcome my fear of dancing in front of 200 people.’
‘I love my family.’
‘I feel good inside now.’
‘When I arrived at my parents (foster) house, I was excited and nervous but they made me feel at home … I felt really comfortable there.’
‘I love my bedroom … I have it exactly the way I want … I’m allowed to have this as my safe place and that is an important thing for me.’
‘Since being at my foster carers I am proud of how far I have come in my life and how much I have changed as a person.’
‘I love where I live, I have settled in so well and love my mum and dad.’
Children can feel sad that they’re not able to be cared for by their own birth families. They often come to see their permanent foster carers as parents and call them ‘mum’ or ‘dad’. Hearing those children see and feel what it is to love, and be loved, and to be welcomed into a new family is an incredible privilege.
Our permanent foster carers are incredible people, doing an incredible job. These comments from our children make us think of the adage: ‘helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person’.
If this has inspired you to foster, please get in contact with us by sending us an enquiry, or by phoning us on 0333 240 9049.