New Foster Placements

It’s all exciting at our home. We have just been approved to take on another child. It’s hard to believe the preparation that we have had in place for months. The approval change was the easiest part. The official meeting that we attend yearly is like meeting old work colleagues. Calon Cymru ensure this is of minimal stress and our supervising social worker is with us the whole time. The only thing missing was a glass of champagne.

On a more serious side we have discussed this change with our current foster child and have ensured her she is part of this new and exciting chapter. The last thing we wanted was her feeling left out or worried that her home was no longer safe. She was open and honest and admitted she felt nervous. I agreed this was a nervous time for all of us and emphasised how important it is to continue talking. As reassurance, we are having checks completed on my birth daughter’s new home. This can then be used as respite if needed. My foster daughter will treat this as “hanging out” with her sister. I’m sure she will be spoilt, and they will have a great time.

My foster child has helped me write a welcome letter to the new child. She had some really good ideas, things only a child in this situation would ask or need to know. On a more fun side she has helped us decide on the décor (this was after re decorating her room for the hundredth time) and helped us decide along with our supervising social worker the age and gender of future children. Initially she wanted a baby, we spoke at length, and she soon agreed babies are not suitable for us – we can’t take a baby SUPing. She has given some toys and teddys to help the new bedroom feel welcoming.

We have informed school of the change and put measures in place – not that we anticipate much upset. Our employers and work colleagues have been amazing. I only work a few hours a week, but my employers have been very kind, especially when I can’t really tell them anything and the situation is full of ifs, buts and when.

Fostering is full of questions, some that cannot be answered. As a family we appreciate all the help, support, and guidance Calon Cymru supply. The future may present with difficulties and no matter what preparation we have in place we cannot prepare or predict everything. The only guarantee we have is that Calon Cymru will be there 24 hours a day.