“It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different.”
Fostering is more than just a vocation; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Amanda, one of Progress’s dedicated foster carers, recently shared her journey into fostering, shedding light on the profound impact it has had on her life and the exceptional support she has received from Progress.
Amanda’s interest in fostering was ignited by a Facebook advertisement specifically highlighting parent and child foster care. “Fostering is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Amanda reminisces. Although she initially explored fostering several years ago, the demands of raising three young children led her to put her plans on hold. When she saw the recent advertisement, she felt it was the perfect time to revisit her fostering aspirations.
Upon reaching out to Progress, Amanda was immediately impressed by their responsiveness and support. “They offered me loads of information, answered all of my questions, and supported me completely through the application process,” she says. Progress addressed her concerns about balancing work, home life, and the specific requirements for fostering, ensuring she felt confident in her decision.
The journey through the application process was smoother than Amanda anticipated. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about how long it might take and some of the apprehensions I might have, but that didn’t play out. The journey was great,” Amanda shares. With the support of Progress’ Fostering Service team members, Amanda found the process manageable and even fulfilling.
Training was a crucial part of Amanda’s preparation. “We had lots of training, lots of online learning, but it was never too much, and it was at our pace,” she recalls. Progress ensured that Amanda and her family were well-prepared, offering flexibility and continuous support throughout the training period.
The support didn’t end there. Amanda speaks highly of the extensive network and community foster carers have at Progress. “I never felt that I was alone, which was really important,” she emphasises. This sense of community is reinforced by regular support group meetings where foster carers can share experiences, challenges, and successes. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, get ideas on how to overcome obstacles, and share and celebrate successes,” Amanda explains.
Amanda’s first young person came six weeks after approval, a learning experience that was both challenging and rewarding. “It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different,” Amanda reflects. The continuous support from Progress and other foster carers helped her navigate this journey.
Currently, Amanda is on another, a parent and child, and is finding it completely different but equally rewarding. “I’ve learned loads again on this journey and look forward to seeing where it brings me in the rest of my fostering journey,” she says enthusiastically.
Amanda’s story is a testament to the support and community that foster carers receive at Progress. “Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes, and it’s important to share those and support each other,” Amanda concludes.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, and you’re looking for a supportive community to join, consider starting your fostering journey with Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to learn more and apply today.
