Claire & Joe
What inspired you to become a foster carer?
I grew up in a family that fostered, my nanna Nancy fostered well before I was born. I always had fostering in my life. My nanna was the kindest, most gentle lady you could ever meet. My uncle who she fostered is with our family over 52 years. My nanny is dead 12 years, and he is still a big part of our family.
Fostering was normal to me, so I suppose my nanna, Nancy was my inspiration.
Can you share a memorable moment that made you realise the impact you were having as a foster carer?
We had one placement of a 16-year-old boy who was a serial absconder. He ran from 7 foster homes before coming to our house. Because I have grown up kids, I knew how to approach him. I didn’t give him a lecture about running, I made a joke that the fact that we live so rural he would need a packed lunch if he was to get to civilisation! It turned out to be a fantastic placement. He never ran, he ended up working part time for my brother and developing a love of cars. He went back to school and did his leaving cert and went on to get an apprenticeship. It showed me the need to meet those kids at their level and help them find themselves.
What has been your biggest challenge as a foster carer, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a foster carer was learning to meet the needs of a child with a disability. She is non/preverbal and I had to learn not to listen, but to watch, see her body language, read her reaction to understand what she was telling me through her sounds and gestures.
What has fostering brought to your family?
Fostering has brought magic back to my family. My kids are grown up and have flown the nest. We now have Santa back, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy! We have the magic of small kids in our home. Watching the excitement of Santa coming was a thing of the past in our home, the magic of Christmas was a memory and now it is all very real. Our foster kids have brought so much to our family, love is the biggest thing. They may not be my kids, but we love them like our own. We probably fight harder for these kids because they deserve the world. I see my role as the person who will advocate and fight to get these kids what they need and deserve. I am their voice.
Has fostering changed your outlook on life?
Most definitely my outlook on life has changed. We see a lot as foster carers, but I look at these kids and realise these kids have not had a great start in life, but when shown love and guidance there is no limit to their potential. It makes you look at things in life a lot differently.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a foster carer?
Just do it! Give it a try. Its not for everybody. But if you try, might be for you. It is probably the most rewarding career I have ever had. Their littlest achievement are our biggest rewards. Its hard, its tiring, it can be a lot some days, but we love it. We couldn’t see ourselves doing anything else.
We have round the clock support from Five Rivers Fostering and I would highly recommend them, we have had a very positive experience. Any issue that arises, our link worker helps us navigate it and is there to support and help us.
My advice is, give it a go!
