Iman
Foster Child Stories
Voices from Care, Ripples of Change
National Care Day: This Care Day, 21st February 2025 we celebrate the voices of care-experienced individuals—because every story has the power to create ripples of change.
Meet Iman, who entered foster care at 10 years old and is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Through the love and support of her foster family, she discovered her strength, passion, and purpose.
This image reflects Iman’s journey—her treasured memories, resilience, and the key to unlocking her future.
My name is Iman and I am 25 years of age. I am writing this article to inspire young children, young adults, foster careers, and social workers. I came into care at the age of just 10 years old. Yes, just 1 decade old. Little me walked into her forever foster home and family.
I have always been in different environments surrounded with different friendly and welcoming faces therefore my experience going into care was no different. I met my foster mother, Christine. For the first time I had someone celebrating my 11th birthday with me. This gave me a sense a belonging.
Growing up in a foster home, I was always afraid to let my friends know that I was in care due to the prejudice they would create or what others already had. However, I soon came to realization that, this was my own fear. There is nothing wrong with being in care.
When it came to education and learning, it was always hard for me before coming into care as I had difficulty in writing and reading. But with the support system that I had in care I was able to improve on and exceed my learning. Being in care gave me the opportunity to exceed my education. With great support networks of people being able to see my potentials and providing me with tutors.
I believe having an education is one of the most important things in life. I am still very much grateful for the support I received to reach my goals of becoming a social worker.
I now love to read and gaining more knowledge in anything and everything that I can. I am in my 2nd year of my master’s in social work and words could not describe the excitement that I have.
I was inspired by my social workers, and I saw how they supported me throughout my journey being in foster care. How I was put into the centre of each plan which made me feel inclusive with the right decision for my life.
Without being in care, I do not think I would have found my passion of wanting to be a social worker.
The story behind mine is to show that you are not alone and never be afraid to reach out for support and achieving your goals in anything that your heart desires in life. The road may be rocky at the start but surely gets smoother along the way.
What would I tell my 10 year old self if I could appear in their dreams!
If I could tell my 10 year old self anything, I would tell her; Do not be afraid of change.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.
A message to Christine, my foster mother.
Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you for always being there and fighting my corner. Never once did you ever give up on me. You have always been my biggest cheerleader from the age of 10 and still now at age 25. You always thought me never to give up on my dreams. Thank you for all that you do.
