All too often people assume that one of the barriers to fostering is the impact it could have on their own children, but Slough Children First is using Sons and Daughters Month, a national campaign organised by the Fostering Network, to highlight the positive impact fostering can have on the whole family.
Children of foster carers play a major part in welcoming a new child into their home. They have the advantage of understanding the family set-up intimately while also understanding the pressures that young people face, so can use this awareness to help their new foster brother or sister settle in and develop a sense of belonging.
“I am so proud of the fostering community we have in Slough and the children of our foster carers are an important part of that community,” said Saima Arif, Service Manager at Slough Children First’s Independent Fostering Agency. “We have such a wonderful group of children who are so full of empathy and compassion for others and I am extremely thankful for all that they do.”
Karen Embury, a foster carer with Slough Children First, said: “Fostering has been a part of my life for over 18 years and it has positively enriched my entire family during that time.”
Her daughter, Zoe (19), who has been part of the foster family almost her entire life, said: “It has given us all a huge appreciation of how lucky we are. It’s so nice to see the children join us and then go off as successful adults, feeling totally different to how they felt when they arrived.”
Denise Chappell, another foster carer with Slough Children First, said: “Fostering has had a positive impact on my family, especially my children’s’ emotional and social understanding and development. It has been a huge positive experience in all our lives.”
Her daughter, Ella (12), who has been part of a fostering family for over 10 years, said: “I’m very happy that my mum fosters because we meet lots of new people and we can watch their outcomes improve in their life.”
Slough Children First is looking for foster carers for children of all ages, but particularly for young people over the age of 12. You will be providing a home and a brighter future to a child whose parents are unable to look after them for any number of reasons.
If you’re interested in finding out more and think you might be in a position to offer a safe and loving home to a child in need, please check out our Discover Fostering page or get in touch with one of our friendly team on 01753 690777.
