Foster children's stories

Bethany's story

Bethany is fourteen and has been living with her foster carer, Marion for two and half years now. Bethany came into care when she was ten after having been severely neglected by her birth family. Back then she hardly spoke and had very little self confidence.

"When Bethany arrived with me, she was still extremely quiet and withdrawn”, says Marion.

"I took a gentle approach and it certainly took time, but little by little she started to trust us and open up."

"Now she’s thriving. She’s completely part of our family and the two of us have a real bond. We talk a lot together and she shares things with me."

"All of us – the Southwark fostering service, the therapist and the staff at her school – have worked together and it’s paid off. She speaks so much more confidently now, has friends and is doing well. She went on a school trip to France this summer which she loved. She’s into reading and gymnastics and has started being interested in the whole clothes and make-up teenage thing! We had help with personal tuition for her and she’s now on course to get good GCSEs."

It’s hoped Bethany will be able to stay with Marion until she’s an independent adult.

*Names and details have been changed

Part 2Isaac's story

Page last updated: 28 September 2022

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Foster children's stories

Bethany's story

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