Children say simple things like having a meal every night gives them hope
Foster Care Fortnight runs from May 11 (Image: Getty Images)
Before going into care, many looked-after children in Hull had chaotic lives and did not always feel safe at home. Their stories are being shared to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s national awareness campaign for fostering.
Hull Fostering is the largest fostering service in the local area and part of Hull City Council. They are always looking for new foster carers and hope people will not rule themselves out before learning more.
There are many different types of fostering, including short breaks, sleepovers, emergency fostering, long-term fostering, and supported lodgings.
Some of Hull’s children and young people have bravely shared honest reflections about what living with foster carers has meant to them. Their stories are real and have been anonymised to protect their identities.
Many spoke of having a complex relationship with their birth families and how they appreciate when their foster carers are understanding. One young person said: “I still love my mum. That’s never going to change. But I know I am safer here, and that matters.”
“We don’t pretend my family doesn’t exist,” said another child in care. “We talk about them, and that helps.”
Someone else said: “It’s confusing sometimes. I miss my family, but I know I need to be here.”
A fourth child commented: “You can love your family and still not be able to live with them. That’s the hardest bit.”
Hull Fostering said it is not about grand gestures, but simply reassuring a child that they do not need to carry adult worries anymore. Many children spoke of the simple things, like routine and stability, that have improved their well-being.
One young person said: “I didn’t realise what I was missing until I came here. Just normal things, like tea at the table and someone asking how my day was.”
“I go to school every day now,” said a second child. “Before, I didn’t really go. Now I actually feel like I can do something with my life.”
Another said: “I get up, go to school, come home, have tea. It’s just normal, and I like that.” A fourth added: “I walk the dog after school. It sounds small, but it’s my favourite part of the day.”
Other children spoke of how the emotional support from their foster carers has been helpful. One said: “I used to worry about everything. Now I know someone’s there for me, no matter what.”
A second child said: “She’s just there, even if I’m in a mood or pushing people away, she’s still there.” A third commented: “I don’t always say it, but my foster carer has done a lot for me. More than they probably realise.”
Young people in care also said they had opportunities and practical things they’d never experienced before. “I’ve got my own room now,” said one. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a space that’s just mine.”
Another young person commented: “I’ve been on holiday. I didn’t even think that was something I’d ever do.” A third said: “I didn’t chose to come into care, but I’m glad I got to live here.”
Children and young people in care all have different personalities, different experiences and different needs. Hull Fostering says that is why different kinds of foster carers are needed in Hull.
Find out more about fostering in Hull: Email: fostering@hullcc.gov.uk Call 01482 612 800 or visit www.HullFostering.co.uk
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.