“Make a real difference this Foster Care Fortnight” says Exmouth Foster Carer
10.05.10
Exmouth foster carer, Gill Green, is issuing an appeal to people throughout Devon to consider a career in foster care this Foster Care Fortnight*.
Gill has been fostering with leading independent fostering agency, Pathway Care, since November last year and since then has provided respite care to two children and is currently caring for 13 year-old James**.
James has been staying with 41 year-old Gill and her husband Arron, 45, since December and has not looked back since.
With over 600 vulnerable children and young people in the region needing foster care support, Gill and Aaron are hoping their positive experiences caring for vulnerable youngsters will encourage others to consider a role in foster care.
When James first arrived at the Green’s he was suffering with low self esteem and was quite withdrawn. Gill, who taught primary school children for 14 years before taking-up fostering, worked closely with James and identified behavioural issues to focus on.
Gill said: “James is a fantastic young man but we had to work hard to encourage his development. When he first arrived he wouldn’t really speak to anyone and spent much of his time just sitting on the sofa. We spent a lot of time with him, going back to basics, teaching him things that most people take for granted, like a basic hygiene routine.”
James has made real progress with Gill and Arron’s support. Gill added: “We’ve tried hard to make sure James experiences as much family life as possible. Just recently we taught him how to ride his bike and the sense of accomplishment felt by us all was overwhelming.”
James is now much more independent; settling well into family life and even makes his own lunches under Gill’s supervision.
Foster care is a challenging role but it is not without its rewards. Gill has seen a sharp improvement in James’ behaviour since he has been staying with her and Arron and they have also seen him flourish socially as he has started to make friends within his neighbourhood.
Gill said: “James had such low self-confidence when he came to us; it’s been heart-warming seeing him make the effort with other children, whereas a few months ago he wouldn’t have bothered to speak to them at all.”
Gill and Arron do not have children of their own but both have experience of working with children. Gill credits her teaching experience with giving her invaluable insight into how children think and behave, while Arron has past experience working as a caretaker in a school for children with special needs.
Gill said: “You don’t need to have children of your own to be a good foster carer, it takes patience and a real desire to want a make difference to the life of a child that really needs help. Pathway Care is excellent they provide social worker support 365 days a year so we never feel alone.”
According to Pathway Care, fostering is challenging and not suited to everyone but for the right kind of person it can be hugely rewarding. The main reason for becoming a foster carer says the agency should always be a passion to help vulnerable children and young people to build a better future.
Martin Leitch, Pathway Care’s south west regional director, said:
“Foster Care Fortnight is a vital reminder that children and young people in care are often missing out on family life and the support and care that so many of us take for granted.
“So many of our youngsters are in care through no fault of their own. They’re pigeon-holed as troublesome or problematic, but so often they’ve had a very difficult start to life, they’re usually very scared and lacking in self-belief.
“People are increasingly realising the benefits a career in foster care can offer such as flexible working and a competitive income. Foster carers come from all backgrounds and cultures and include couples with or without children, single and divorced people, and lone parents. We’re welcoming people across Devon and the South West who are existing foster carers or those who are considering becoming foster carers and think they have what to it takes to provide a loving and supportive home to those who really need one.”
A career in foster care offers many benefits including competitive rates of pay and flexible working. For more information about fostering please contact Pathway Care on tel: 0871 226 3760; or visit the website at www.pathwaycare.com
