Continuing our series featuring Katrina, an experienced foster parent with AFA Fostering, we delve into a topic many of us often ponder – those moments when you feel like you’ve truly made a difference. In fostering, those moments can be as subtle as a child starting to trust again or as momentous as seeing them move on to a loving, permanent home.
Building Attachments: The Heart of Fostering
Katrina has experienced many of these precious moments, but one of the most significant was with her foster daughter Chantelle. However, she also shared an insightful view of her experiences with younger children, many of whom arrive with attachment issues.
“A lot of them come without any attachment, you know, attachment problems. And then when they start to attach to you, you know, that’s very rewarding,” Katrina explains.
The Rewarding Journey from Foster to Adoptive Parents
She recalls a particular case of some young children who were recently adopted. When they first came into Katrina’s care, these children had been ‘passed from pillar to post’, unable to form meaningful connections. However, after nearly two years with Katrina, they began to develop the ability to bond with others.
Katrina found it immensely fulfilling to watch them move on to their adoptive parents, knowing she had played a part in preparing them for this new chapter, “And to see them move on and make new attachments is very rewarding, and for those who return home I really hope we have had a positive influence on their happiness and taught them some strong life skills to help them and their families move forward with their lives.”
Lasting Bonds: Beyond Foster Care
However, Katrina’s care for her foster children doesn’t end once they leave her home. She stays in contact with most of her children, recognising that those who return to their birth families may still face challenges. Her commitment to providing ongoing support underlines the depth of her dedication.
Through Katrina’s experiences, we witness the profound impact that foster parents can have on the lives of children in their care. These small but significant moments underscore why fostering is such a vital and rewarding role.
Stay tuned for the next inspiring story of Katrina’s fostering journey with AFA Fostering, coming on Tuesday!
Did this story resonate with you? Imagine the fulfilling journey you could embark on by transforming the life of a child or young person. If you live in East Anglia or the East Midlands, and can offer a spare bedroom for fostering in a caring, secure home, you already have some of the groundwork for becoming a foster parent.
With us, you’ll never be alone on this journey. We provide comprehensive training and 24/7 support to our foster parents to ensure you are fully equipped to provide the best care. Alongside the emotional rewards, a competitive allowance is also in place to help you in providing for your foster child.
Curious to learn more? Begin your fostering journey today. Simply reach out to our warm and welcoming team at 0333 358 3217 or fill out our online form. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated and be part of inspiring conversations. So, give us a ring today and start the process that could change both your life and a child’s, for the better.