Patience, tolerance, and being supportive are just three of the key qualities which children in care are looking for in prospective foster carers.
These 'wish-lists' are included in a sequence of videos featuring children in care and foster carers which Leicestershire County Council has produced to tie in with #changeafuture, the theme of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until 26th May.
In one video, care leavers explain the simple things that stood out and helped them grow and change as young adults.
Kaitlin said: “An ideal foster carer is somebody who is patient, tolerant and is willing to support you and listen to your circumstances, and just take things really slowly.
“My carers have given me stability and a place in their home. They involve me in everything they do, they’re just a dream.”
In another video, care leaver Georgia who is now at university, echoed Caitlin's statements.
She said: “I think my future changed as soon as I came here. I started getting the support I needed to carry on my education and to have a good life and do everything I wanted to do."
The videos also emphasise the love and support provided by existing foster carers - Paul and Marie have been fulfilling the role for almost 10 years.
Paul, from Enderby, said: “I believe we’ve changed a few children’s futures for the better by letting them be themselves.
Marie said: “We’ve tried to give them that opportunity to believe in themselves, to succeed in life.”
There is an urgent need in Leicestershire for foster carers and adopters. These stories from both care leavers and existing foster carers show the impact our carers can have in changing the future of these children for the better. If you want to change a future for one of our children in care, please do get in touch today. There are so many different opportunities when it comes to fostering that there really will be a way to fit fostering into your life.
Person:Ivan Ould, county council cabinet member for children and families
If you are interested in fostering, the council has ‘Find out about Fostering’ upcoming events planned on Wednesday, 12 June and Thursday, 4 July. These events are held from 6.15pm - 8pm at County Hall in Glenfield LE3 8RA.
Find out about fostering with Leicestershire County Council by visiting fosteringleicestershire.com
To find out more, call 0116 305 0505 or e-mail fostering@leics.gov.uk