Life as a Foster Mum
The approval process, as you would suspect, is very strict and thorough. We were assigned an assessor whose job it was to delve into every area of our past from childhood to present day. In a way it was a kind of therapy remembering and talking about our past experiences both good and bad. This process went on for about six months. We also had background checks and references taken.
Eventually we were ready to go to the panel. This involved being interviewed by a group of professionals who assessed if we were suitable to be approved as foster carers. Happily, we were!
Despite the vigorous training and interviewing that we undertook to be approved, nothing could have prepared us fully for our first placement. I remember vividly the social worker dropping off two little boys and then leaving. I remember putting myself into their shoes and thinking how scared and bewildered they must be feeling. I would never want a child of mine to feel like that.
Thankfully the boys soon settled with us and became part of our family. At times I admit that they drove me to the end of my tether but it felt very quickly like they had always been part of the family. They were happy to give and receive cuddles and equally happy to push boundaries and rules.