We have never felt judged being a same sex couple fostering

Josie and Andrea have been foster carers with Nexus Fostering for five years. Josie was previously a bus inspector, and Andrea was a care worker for children with autism. Josie had seen her sister be a foster carer. When she and Andrea got together, they wanted to offer children and young people a safe and caring environment.

Here is their story: 

We have always been child orientated but fostering changes your life. Our primary focus is on the children or young people living with us and their needs. You have to understand the trauma a child has experienced. It's hard trying to change the learnt behaviours, but with the support we receive from our social worker at Nexus Fostering, the training courses provided, and meeting other foster carers, we have become more knowledgeable. We have worked closely with Nexus Fostering to get the help needed for our children and young people.

You realise you are making a difference when you see their smiles and hear them laughing. You are helping them feel safe and loved and giving them the opportunity and space to have their voices heard. It's incredible to watch the children and young people grow in confidence. You have to recognise the difficulties they face having experienced the trauma they have.

Nexus Fostering has been there throughout, at very challenging times. The support has been amazing. They helped us recognise the benefit of putting therapeutic support in place. It gives us the extra knowledge and skills to manage and maintain relationships to keep our young people within the home when things get tough. Our Social Worker, Jatinder, is always there to listen and offer support and guidance, as are the main office and the out-of-hours service. There is always someone there at the end of the phone to guide us and support us as a family without question. Being in a same-sex relationship has never been questioned throughout our time with Nexus Fostering; they treat us the same as any other foster carer.

If you are looking to make a difference like Andrea and Josie, get in touch by arranging a call back at a time that suits you - Contact Us | Nexus Fostering