From Trauma to Trust
Tamesin Quinn
/ Categories: News
Focus fostering has made the difference
The first thing you learn about Focus fostering is that every child is different, says Focus foster carer Sally*.
Some are so grateful to be in a supportive, caring environment that they settle quickly and bond with their foster carers even though they still need the additional care that Focus fostering provides.
Others are so traumatised by their past experiences that they initially reject any help, and, as Sally and her family have found, it takes time, patience and a skilled team of social workers to overcome that.
“Some children find it difficult to trust adults due to their previous experiences. Anne* didn’t trust anyone and any care or nurturing we tried to give at first frightened her so she backed off. She felt she wasn’t worth looking after,” said Sally who became a foster carer when her own children left home.
“At first she wouldn’t even let me near enough to help her brush her hair. Her behaviour was challenging and we relied heavily on all the support we received from the Focus fostering team which reassured us we were doing the right things and to keep trying with Anne.
“Things have slowly changed and she has made great progress. We have learnt such a lot together over the past few years. Now she hugs me, though she still struggles to tell us how she feels. It’s been a huge challenge but Anne is worth it and she will always be part of our family.”
If you’re experienced with children or young people and have no children under 16 living at home, why not consider becoming a Focus foster carer. https://www.salford.gov.uk/children-and-families/adoption-and-fostering/fostering/types-of-fostering/specialist-fostering/
Or if Focus foster care is not for you – but you’re interested in providing a different type of foster care, check out the many ways you can help.
https://www.salford.gov.uk/children-and-families/adoption-and-fostering/fostering/types-of-fostering/
Salford City Council needs to recruit 40 new foster carers every year just to meet demand. Can you be one of them?
*names have been changed