She credits a big help in finally taking the step to become a foster carer was being able to talk to an existing foster carer, “someone I worked with was a foster carer and I asked them lots of questions. It made me more and more intrigued, but after ten years I finally took the plunge. After taking this initial leap of faith, I’ve never regretted it and never looked back.”

Jaqueline is incredibly passionate about why you should foster for your local council, “it was never a question in my mind. Fostering is all about ethics and I didn’t want to work for a business that made money from someone else’s misfortune. Gloucestershire are not for profit, and they’re local. In teaching, I was exposed to some children who were cared for by foster carers for national agencies. They shared that a big challenge was that lack of community and locality, often had to go a long way for training, or having children stay with them who were completely new to the area. Gloucestershire is like one big fostering family; everyone says hello to everyone and the support groups are local. The managers and social workers are local, you see them regularly and they understand local issues. It’s the same people you see each time and it’s lovely. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want that.”

During her consideration period for becoming a foster carer she had lots of questions about how she would feel when she finally became a foster carer but states the biggest surprise she had was just how much every child who walked through her door would mean to her and her husband. “When I started fostering, I never imagined how invested I’d become on an emotional level and how much they’d mean to you. I’ve got so many fond memories of the journey’s I’ve been on with the teenagers I’ve fostered. Of course, some of the lows have been challenging, but I wouldn’t change them. You do genuinely care for them and get very attached throughout both the highs and the lows. They become part of the family, and you’re left with these amazing memories, and you hope wherever their journey goes when they leave you, that they’re doing well.”

She shares this advice for anyone before they apply, “Do your research, do your homework. When I started there wasn’t all the information available that there is now, here’s so much information available these days and just grab it. I love meeting people at the online information sessions and hearing all their questions and their perspectives. Speak to other foster carers, they’re your best source of information, if you’re in doubt ask. Lastly, do all the training you can and embrace it, it’s really interesting and helps prepare you for what’s to come.”

What would Jaqueline say to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer? “Go for it! Don’t do what I did and take ten years. Looking back, I do regret taking so long to decide it was the right thing to do, and I wish I’d made the jump a bit earlier. I can honestly say it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. When I look back, I can say I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on with every child and young person. It’s not necessarily the big moments we look for, sometimes it’s just the simplest thing that sticks with you, being there for them to provide a safe, secure and caring home and supporting them through their challenges and helping them make the right choices.”

As we wrap up this look into the lives of one of our fostering households, we hope their stories have moved you and shown just how much of a difference they make. Their dedication, kindness, and strength are truly inspiring, and we’re so thankful for everything they do. Stay tuned to meet more of these amazing individuals who make fostering possible. Together, we can support and celebrate the incredible work of our foster carers, making sure every child has the chance to grow up in a loving and caring home.