When our youngest son was born visually impaired, my wife and I contemplated seeking some respite care. Whilst exploring this we discovered that there was a need for other children to be cared for. We initially registered with a Local Authority to provide weekend respite care for physically disabled young people.

Prior to retiring from the Police I had made plans to travel for an extended period of time, so we decided we would suspend fostering for a while to get travelling out of our system, and then on our return go for longer term foster placements.

Why FCC?

When we got back we then moved to foster with FCC. We were impressed with the ethos of the company: surplus income going straight back into the care of children. Also, we were really impressed by FCC’s founder, Laurie Gregory – particularly his energy and vision for what he wanted for young people.

Coming from the police into foster care, I found that there were lots of transferrable skills. I knew I was adaptable as most officers are – but my analytical, communication and advocacy skills have always been useful. Also a sense of loyalty and commitment to good moral values are without doubt skills already honed in a tough profession.

What motivates  you to foster?

The elements I find most rewarding about being a carer is trying to build relationships with young people who haven’t necessarily had the best start in life. Watching them arrive all shy and nervous – then spending time with them, building confidence and self-esteem and watching them grow and progress. Seeing them move into independent living has made us feel that we have really accomplished something – and that the young person is now better equipped to deal with what life will throw at them.

It’s not always easy; sometimes a young person’s behaviour can be a problem, but more than that it’s trying to find what’s behind it, why it occurs and how can we help the young person to turn their life around.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about fostering?

If you’re thinking of becoming a carer, I would say talk to other carers. Do your research and attend a recruiting event. Discuss with your family what they think. At the end of the day it’s the family that fosters not the individual. Everyone becomes involved and my boys and extended family are just as much a part of our fostering journey as we are.