Carers' stories

Francine's story

Francine was approved as a foster carer for Southwark over eighteen years ago and has looked after more than 70 children over the years both short and long term.

"It was my mum who originally got me into fostering - she was a foster carer herself and I always saw her as an inspiration, and I wanted to do something myself to help the community. I decided to foster with Southwark Council because I wanted to help local children, ensuring that they could stay in the borough and remain as settled as possible.''

Making a positive difference for local children

Many of the children that have first come to me are scared, cry for their parents and won't let you touch them. You realise that some of these children have been through more in four to five years than many adults have in their entire life. I try to make their time with me as normal as possible, and on weekends take them on day trips to the coast to get out of London. There have always been challenges and I've had to deal with lots of things, but I've only had two children that have moved on because they needed more specialist care. I'm still in contact with many of my foster children and one, who is now all grown up, recently visited me with his girlfriend and told her that the time he spent with me were some of the best years of his life, which made me really proud.

A good support network is vital

Over the years I've been in contact with numerous carers who I've met through training or at fostering events and days out. I met one of my closest friends on the fostering induction course eighteen years ago, and we've been friends ever since. It's always good to have someone else who is in a similar situation and you can talk to about your experience. The social workers I've had have been fantastic and I've always experienced good support from them, in addition to having a strong network of back up carers - family and friends who can help out.

If someone was considering fostering I would tell them that it is hard work but also extremely rewarding. Fostering requires patience, empathy, flexibility and a good routine. You need to be accommodating and be able to adapt your time to their lives and needs, attending school meetings, medical and dental appointments and taking them to after school activities." 

Page last updated: 30 June 2022