Cambridge couple share their experience with fostering with Nexus Fostering, helping both parents and vulnerable children thrive
Cambridgeshire carers Yvette and Laurie have dedicated over a decade to supporting vulnerable children and young people by opening their home and providing positive outcomes. The couple currently focus on fostering parent and child and enjoy sharing their time with the people they support. Here’s their story.
“We initially considered fostering after our children had grown up and flown the nest”, says Yvette. “I had worked with children previously and wanted to continue doing this. Fostering wasn’t something we decided to do overnight as it takes a lot of consideration on whether it could work for us. With fostering, I could continue helping support children and young people in our own home”. This provided a great sense of flexibility as Laurie’s working background was in the Royal Air Force. After his stint with the British and Saudi Air Forces, Laurie commenced work with British Aerospace allowing him time to help with fostering when he was at home. “We were both extremely excited to start the fostering journey. We love giving back to the community and have been fortunate enough to have a spare room in our home to welcome a child into our family”.
When their own children were growing up, they had an open house policy – “our house was home from home for all the other children”. This provided a safe space if they had a problem, wanted to chat, or just because they wanted to come in and socialise. “Really, fostering was an extension of what we’d been doing. Everyone knew we were going to go into something like this.”
After preparation through comprehensive training and assessment, the approval process took five months for Yvette and Laurie. Once approved, they adapted easily but that didn’t abate the nerves; they felt a huge sense of responsibility. “We have been fostering for a decade and have cared for teenagers, infants, babies, parent and child and sibling groups”, details Yvette. Yvette and Laurie’s tenures have varied in length from short- to long-term fostering, but they enjoy it every time. “Parent and child and moving on to adoption are the types we do most.”
“We will always remember the first youngster we looked after; he was just amazing. When he went for adoption, we were so pleased – we could not have chosen better parents for him ourselves!”. The couple still see keep in touch with him. “Seeing positive outcomes like these is why we continue to foster and help children and young people flourish in confidence and find their voice. There is no better feeling than seeing a big smile on the children’s faces and knowing you have contributed to making them feel loved and cared for.”
If you are considering fostering, Yvette and Laurie have a few tips. They underline the importance of never assuming something about the child and always allowing yourself space to take a step back when things aren’t going perfectly. Putting yourself in their position can go a long way. “Many children that come into foster care have never had routine and kindness, but persevere”, says Yvette. “You are an advocate for the children and opening up your home is the best thing you can do.”
If you want to look at how you can become a foster carer, get in touch with Nexus Fostering by phoning 01223 903 503 or by visiting www.nexusfostering.co.uk/cambs. You can also find them on social media at Nexus Fostering for the latest updates.
