Sam and Steve - 'Fostering is the most rewarding job I have ever and will ever do'

One of our most significant memories since fostering is seeing our first ever foster child, a four-year-old little boy enter our home so confidentially and shortly after, the social workers left. I remember thinking, oh wow, this is really happening! The following day was my first time trying to get him ready so we could take our children to school. He has autism and severe attachment difficulties. He tried to enter my daughter’s bedroom because he thought that she was a family member familiar to him. Trying to stop him from entering her bedroom caused this little boy to melt down. Over the next two years, we faced some challenging behaviours, angry meltdowns, destructive behaviour and many refusals. However, it makes me very proud to say that after years of our family working together to be consistent, loving, empathetic, implement rules, and not give in, he is finally very settled, happy, and much calmer. As a family, we will never forget where we started and how far we have come to where we are now.

So far, we have been fostering for five and a half years and in that time, we have been through a roller-coaster of emotions. But we have always got through each challenge thrown at us. The way that we have got through any difficult times is by having support. Support from our social workers, support from therapeutic input and support from each other as well as friends and family. So my way of coping and release is to go swimming, for a bath or go and visit my best friend.

I absolutely love my job, and I am very passionate about fostering. I am also aware that fostering is not an easy role and sometimes can be tough. However, it is by far the most rewarding job I have ever and will ever do. But it isn’t just me. I could not do such an amazing job without the brilliant support I receive from the Nexus Fostering team, my friends, my extended family and our children. Our birth children have been on the roller-coaster journey with us and have been fantastic. It has taught them valuable life lessons and opened their eyes to a life that has not been sheltered. Thank you for taking the time to read a little insight into our life in the fostering role.

For anyone considering fostering, could 2024 be the year you begin your fostering journey? Enquire and find out more here - www.nexusfostering.co.uk/contact-us#contact-us