“I always put myself in a young person’s shoes and see how things look to them.”
For Sharon*, being a foster carer has been challenging, but she’s grateful to have made such a difference in the lives of the children she cares for.
Sharon’s journey as a foster carer began when 11-year-old Alana* joined her family. Now aged 18, Alana continues to live with Sharon as a member of her family.
“A while ago, I was approached to see if I would welcome another child. We talked about it and Alana said, ‘well you gave me a place to live, I think it’s only fair that you offer somebody else a home too, if you can'.”
That’s how Jackson*, now 14 years old, came to live with Sharon. She says that building positive relationships is a vital ingredient to the carer-child dynamic.
“I always put myself in a young person’s shoes and see how things look to them.”
“Instead of focusing on when they do something negative, we’ll look for positive things. When kids hear a ‘well done’, you can see their self-worth climb.”
Sharon says that one of the most rewarding parts of being a foster carer is seeing first-hand the changes that happen for children when they have a nurturing and stable home environment.
“Jackson has made such a turnaround."
"He was getting suspended, and then we got him into a great high school, where he’s in a supported learning unit. Now he’s just powering through there, and they love him.”
“I’ve also seen Alana grow from someone who was a scared, tiny and shy little girl into a young woman who’s really got a voice now”.
*Names changed to protect the people we support.
