The story of a Tipperary based foster carer

My husband, myself and our son were approved as a foster family by TUSLA in April 2019.
In July that same year our first placement was a 2-year- old boy.

To say he was the most independent and headstrong 2-year-old we ever met is an understatement.
He wanted to do everything. So much so that two months of him living with us I said to my husband one day “this lad is going to take over, he’ll be looking for the keys of the house next.”
The same boy returned to the care of this parents earlier this year after being with us for four years.
Some might think that would be heartbreaking for us, but we can honestly and genuinely say that we were delighted to see his parents turn their lives around after 15 years in addiction.

FAMILY UNIT
Yes it was difficult as he was such a big part of our family, but we chose to focus on the bigger picture of them being a family unit again.

His parents are doing great, they have a new home, and work hard in their jobs to provide for their little boy .
During those four years we thank God that we were able to build up a good relationship with his parents and as a result, we are blessed to still have that special little boy in our lives with regular video chats and sleepovers . He will always have a special place in our hearts.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
Our experience of fostering has been a positive one. Although I can stand here and be so thankful for the positives, it’s not always rosy in the garden.
And while there is not a perfect system, these children deserve a chance, they deserve to be accepted and loved.
If there were not people like foster carers, where would these vulnerable children end up?
If we are waiting for a system to change or improve, too many children will slip through the net .

STABILITY
These children need us, they need security, stability, safety, they need to be heard and understood, they need to be encouraged, they need to know there is hope out their in this broken world, in their broken world , they need to know someone cares about them, someone like you who will support them, accept them and love them.
If you are reading this and you are a foster carer, never underestimate the difference you are making in a child’s life.

OPEN YOUR HEART
If you are reading this and maybe thinking about fostering, think about this-can you open your home, can you open your heart to give a child a chance and make a difference in their lives ?
There is a quote I’ve heard before and I think it’s very fitting for fostering-
“As one person you cannot change the world, but you can change the world of one person”
We have an amazing young girl with us for the past two years and her message to all children in care is - “To never give up”
Thank you,
From a foster carer.