Life as a foster carer working in the LA

After being brought up in a foster family, social worker Rachael made the decision to become an official foster carer eight years ago. This is her story.

What sparked your interest in fostering?

“I was brought up in a foster family. I am also a qualified social worker for Cardiff Council. Becoming a social worker and a foster carer were both inspired by my mum. I provided support and respite for her, so it has always been a part of my life.”

Was there anything holding you back when first considering fostering?

“For me, one of the things was trying to do my job as a social worker and do the fostering. For it potentially being difficult being on both sides of the fence. Working full time in a social work capacity and trying to balance that with being a foster carer. I was worried about giving the children what they need and having a good working life balance.”

A common misconception of fostering is that you cannot work full time and be a foster carer. Rachael’s story shows that it is possible, and the authority welcomes applicants who work full time. The process is all about whether you feel capable.

How does fostering fit around your working life?

“The local authority supports me a great deal. If they didn’t, I don’t believe I could be a foster carer. Having some support from my family and friends also helps me, if a child is sick or I need a babysitter for an hour or two they can help me with that. The local authority supports me practically with childcare as well.”

It’s important to remember that you are not alone, we are here to support you at every hurdle. As a local authority we have an experienced team to provide you with the support you need to make fostering a success.

What does fostering mean to you?

“For me, it’s being able to provide children with a safe and secure home. Giving them unconditional love and making them feel like part of the family is very important to me. I feel privileged that I am able to provide that on a long-term basis, especially to older children because they are the children where the need for carers is. I feel proud to be able to invite them into our home.”

There are many different types of fostering, from respite to long-term. Find out what would best suit your lifestyle on the Vale of Glamorgan Foster Wales website.

What advice would you give to someone considering fostering?

“To come along and listen. It is so much more flexible and inclusive than people think. When I have conversations with people about fostering, they often assume they can’t do it because they are single, they smoke, or were in trouble as a child and have a police record etc. Things like that. There are so many mishaps that people think means they would not get accepted. I would always tell people to pick up the phone and give it a go. You’re not losing anything by applying. Children really benefit people who are relatable and have life experience. Never think you are not good enough.”

If Rachael’s story has inspired you to find out more, visit the Vale of Glamorgan Foster Wales website to contact us and have an informal chat about fostering.