Second Chances: A Journey Through Foster Care

This heartfelt poem was written by an 11-year-old under the care of Progress Fostering Service. This young poet beautifully captures their journey and the transformative power of foster care.

My life was no fun

My fears would make me run.

Until out of the blue

I met you.

 

I became a foster child not once but twice

When I hurt myself you gave me ice.

You helped me learn

Everything I get I earn.

 

I am a little bit sad

Sometimes I get a little bit mad.

Me and my brothers would hit and hit

Until one day we got split.

 

We see each other often

We all need a correction.

I’ve learnt a lot of things

And my foster carer says

Teamwork makes the dream work.

 

I do much better now in foster care

I smile most days

I hope you can do a favour

And help people to become more able

And children who have lost hope

And start believing

Bring them in and give them a second chance in life.

 

As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we invite individuals and families in the Midlands who are interested in fostering to join us. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children and young people in need of stability and care.

To learn more about fostering with Progress Fostering Service and how you can become a foster carer, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or contact us directly at 01902 561066.

A Year of Dedication and Care: Fostering Service Reflects

The staff team and foster carers have again gone above and beyond to make sure we are providing the right opportunities and outcomes for our young people.

The yuletide season is here and Phil, the Registered Manager of the Fostering Service at Progress Children’s Services, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout 2023. In a goodwill message, Phil expresses gratitude to those who have played a pivotal role in providing exceptional care to the children under their charge.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the fostering service throughout this year for the hard work, commitment and dedication they have shown in providing outstanding care to the children we look after,” says Phil, acknowledging the collective effort that has defined the service’s success over the past year.

Fostering Service at Progress Children’s Services has thrived on the commitment and dedication exhibited by both the staff team and foster carers. “The staff team and foster carers have again gone above and beyond to make sure we are providing the right opportunities and outcomes for our young people,” notes Phil, emphasising the tireless efforts put forth to ensure the well-being and positive development of the children in their care.

Going beyond the call of duty, the team has tirelessly worked to ensure that the children receive the best possible care and opportunities. “Throughout this period, we have had brilliant support groups for both carers and children and looked to deliver training that is engaging and worthwhile,” Phil states, highlighting the comprehensive support system in place to foster collaboration and understanding among carers and children.

Throughout the year, Progress Fostering Service has not only met but exceeded expectations by delivering engaging and worthwhile training. “We have provided events like the youth club, Summer Event Day, and pantomime that have given us incredible feedback,” Phil shares, underlining the service’s commitment to not only meeting the basic needs of the children but also creating enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development.

As we approach the New Year, Phil extends warm wishes to all those involved, expressing gratitude to every single person who has made a positive impact on a child’s life in 2023. “We hope you enjoy the holiday period and thanks to every single person who has had a positive impact on any child in 2023, and we hope you have a happy new year,” he says, encapsulating the service’s appreciation for the collective effort that has made a difference in the lives of the children.

The message from Phil encapsulates a year marked by compassion, resilience, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the children in the care of Progress Fostering Service. As we bid farewell to 2023, we join in celebrating the achievements and successes of the fostering service, while looking ahead to a future filled with even greater accomplishments and contributions to the community.