Chloe's Journey from Foster Care to Independence
Date published
25 July 2024
Chloe entered foster care at 9 years old and has since experienced life with two foster families. Now 18 and living in her own flat, Chloe reflects on her journey and offers advice to other young people entering care and credits her second family for their unwavering support. Chloe's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of supportive foster care environments.
“Before foster care, I lived with various family members and had no structure or rules,” Chloe recalls. “Adjusting to foster care was tough. I had always taken care of myself and done what I wanted when I wanted, having rules was challenging. My first foster family had different ways of doing things, and we often clashed. They were quite strict, and I felt like I needed more space as I got older.”
Despite the challenges, there were positive moments. Chloe’s foster carers, who already had two girls under special guardianship, made her feel welcome with a scrapbook, which she treasures to this day.
At 16, Chloe moved in with Gina and Michael, foster carers in Stoke-on-Trent with Nexus Fostering.
“I was ready for a change when they found new foster carers for me. Gina and Michael were different; we clicked immediately. Michael was initially nervous about me, but he was pleasantly surprised. Despite moving out of my familiar town, they lived near main bus routes to see my friends, and although it was an hour car journey each day, I managed to stay in the same school.”
Gina and Michael's approach was more suited to Chloe, who is now studying Criminology, Geography, and Biology in college with hopes to join the army.
“I dropped out of my first college course because it wasn’t for me and I wanted to be a combat medical technician. Telling Gina was scary, but she was supportive and wanted me to do something I enjoyed. My army application was deferred, so I’m back in college, with a plan B to become a paramedic. Gina and Michael support me 100%, I am so close to them and we have a great relationship.”
Chloe also formed strong bonds with Gina and Michael’s adult children and they have all been on holidays together. “We’ve always gotten along well and I see them quite a lot.” Gina and Michael were later approached to care for another young person. Chloe shares “It was challenging at first, but once I adapted it was nice to have someone a similar age and we became really close. Even after moving into my own place, we still talk daily.”
Chloe doesn’t have a relationship with her birth mum.
“I was recently thinking about getting back in touch with my birth mum and then I happened to walk past her in the street, and it dawned on me that my life is different now and that chapter has closed. Seeing her put a lot of things into perspective, and I see Gina and Michael as my mum and dad now.”
Recalling a holiday in Wales with Gina and Michael, Chloe said, “It was one of my favourite times, it was so nice all the family being together. We did typical family activities that I’d only seen on TV. My prom was another highlight, a family affair with Gina’s daughter doing my hair.”
Moving into her own flat at 18, Chloe said, “Gina and Michael’s support was incredible, it was a full family affair and everyone helped and chipped in. The hardest part of living alone is getting into a routine and getting up for college without Gina to help me every morning.”
Chloe praised Nexus Fostering, as a private fostering agency,
“The support was amazing, I remember thinking ‘wow’ and have been so impressed. From birthday cards to fun outings like Go Ape, everyone at the local office was friendly and supportive.”
Describing Gina and Michael, Chloe said, “They are the funniest, most caring people. They are just amazing in every way. They always have my back and want the best for everyone.”
Chloe even changed her surname to match theirs, “It just felt the right thing to do, they are always going to be my next of kin and I wanted everyone to know I was related to them”.
Chloe is proud of her achievements, especially in Cadets, where she found close friends and new interests. “Joining Cadets was Michael’s idea after I expressed interest in the army. I also play netball and basketball, which I love.”
Now eighteen and living independently, Chloe looks forward to a bright future and dreams of having her own family. Her advice to new foster children is, “Give your foster carers a chance; they’re trying to help. It’s daunting for them too. There’s always someone to talk to, so reach out for support.”
Inspired by Chloe’s story? Contact Nexus Fostering at 01952 916002 or visit www.nexusfostering.co.uk to offer a loving home to a young person like Chloe.
Read Chloe's foster carers, Gina and Michael's, Fostering Journey here.
Fostering stories
25 July 2024
