Caron and Peter's Story

Caron and Peter have been fostering for Rotherham for 12 months, although they started thinking about fostering over 3 years ago. “We both had jobs that were rewarding financially, but nothing more,” says Caron.

“We wanted to do something that would be rewarding personally and directly benefit other people. We have years of experience in raising and developing children, including our own, so fostering seemed the perfect way to bring all this together.”

In that time they have provided respite care for three children and had three children placed with them on a more permanent basis as well.

“We mainly care for babies so every developmental milestone they pass is a proud moment for us. It is also lovely to receive praise from the parents and families of the children you are looking after, for the care you are giving them.”

Caron describes deciding to foster with Rotherham as an easy choice. “We live within the borough and wanted to have direct contact with the people who would be immediately responsible for the care of the children.”

Now, as experienced foster carers, Caron and Peter recall being very nervous the first time they fostered, “we were unsure what to expect and wanted the children coming to us to enjoy their time here.” Sharing this experience with other potential foster carers Caron reassuringly says, “there are many training sessions to also go to during the process. These cover a broad range of the issues you will encounter as a foster carer and are very interesting, informative and useful.”

Caron and Peter advocate that as a foster carer you also need to make enough time for yourself, “so that you have the energy and mental capacity to deal with everything each day will throw at you.” They also say one of the best things about being a foster carer is; “knowing you are giving children care and opportunities to develop that they wouldn't ordinarily have had.”