Sarah's Story

Sarah has been a foster carer for 2 years. Although deciding to become a foster carer was a big decision Sarah felt supported by the Fostering Rotherham team and she says she felt ‘Very relaxed and able to speak openly without fear of being judged.’ Even the parts of the application process which are more formal, sarah says ‘We always felt that Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council were keen to get the process going and committed to getting us to panel in good time. Panel felt daunting initially but our Social Worker prepared us well so we knew what to expect.’ 

Sarah has enjoyed being a part of the Fostering Rotherham family and has continued to feel supported throughout her fostering journey. Sarah says one of the best things about fostering with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is the level of training and support received, ‘Our Social Worker is brilliant and really supportive. She knows us well and has always been there for us.’ She has also been able to make use of Fostering Rotherham’s extensive training program which is available to all of our foster carers and found that there was a wide range of good quality training scheduled all year round. 

Aside from the training and support she has received herself, her fondest memories of being a foster carer are from the support she has been able to give her foster children and feels their time together has benefited both the child and her family equally.

“They’re going through a difficult time, yet by giving them safety, stability, love and security, you see them settle and thrive- I am so encouraged to know that the love, time and commitment that we can give to these kids and young people will change their lives.”

In just two years as a foster carer, Sarah has been able to experience some amazing milestones with her foster children such as watching them learn to swim, gain confidence in outdoor activities and learning to enjoy books.