Young People

Ultimately, fostering is about the welfare of the child or young person in our care, to highlight the outcomes that can be achieved by choosing to foster, we have asked some of the young people who have been fostered to tell us about their experiences.

As we develop our new site, we want to use this page more and more to encourage young people who are in foster care to communicate their feelings, fears and aspirations so that other young people who are in similar situations can relate to and perhaps learn from others.

Donna's story

Fostered at age 13, with 5 month old baby boy:

Initially when I went to my foster carers, I was very apprehensive, I wouldn't let my baby down, I carried him everywhere. My foster parents helped me to realise that I didn't have to be the perfect mother, it was natural to make mistakes, they were there to help, not trip me up. They helped me to set boundaries, control the crying and introduce a routine into both my life and that of the baby's. Living here has allowed me to put things into perspective, I dread to think where I would be without them. Thanks to them, I've been able to go to college and get my diploma in childcare and education. When I'm old enough I want to pursue a career as a foster carer.

Abdullah's story

Fostered aged 10 (asylum seeking child)

When I first came to my foster parents, I couldn't speak any English. I had just arrived in this country, I felt totally isolated, frightened and confused. My foster parents taught me a form of sign language so that I was able to communicate with them until I learnt to speak English. They even came to English lessons with me. I'm now at university studying for a degree in engineering. Without them there is no way I would be at this point in my life.

 If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see, then let us know via mail@pathwaycare.org.uk We want this to be your page, so you need to help us.