Karen’s Inspiring Journey as a Single Foster Carer with Caritas Care…

Meet Karen, a dedicated single foster carer with Caritas Care, currently providing a loving home for a 14-year-old girl on a short-term placement. Her journey is a testament to her commitment and the profound impact foster care can have on young lives.

Karen’s decision to become a foster carer stems from her experiences as a youth worker and her strong Christian faith. Through her community work, she witnessed many children on the brink of entering the foster system and understood the difference consistent, one-on-one care could make in their lives. This realisation motivated her to take the leap into fostering, knowing she could offer the stability and support these children desperately needed.

Despite thinking about fostering for years, Karen realised there would never be a “perfect” time. Her search for the right agency led her to Caritas Care, where she immediately felt a connection. The unwavering support and compassion from Caritas Care, especially during challenging times, reassured Karen she had made the right choice.

Karen values the importance of family time for foster children, understanding it helps maintain their sense of identity and belonging. She ensures her foster child has regular contact with her birth family, providing comfort and consistency. This dedication extends to considering a pet for her foster child, knowing the joy and companionship it could bring.

Karen’s Christian faith is integral to her fostering journey. Initially concerned it might deter some from supporting her, she found that acknowledging faith and spirituality helped others relate to her and understand the identity of the children in her care. Her church community provides additional support and a sense of belonging for her foster children, enhancing their overall experience.

Balancing work and fostering can be challenging, but Karen has found a way to make it work. By prioritising both her foster child and her personal time, she maintains a healthy balance. The pandemic tested this balance, but with resilience and support, Karen and her foster child navigated through it together.

Fostering teenagers, especially girls, requires a sense of humor and understanding. Karen’s experiences as a youth worker equip her with the skills to connect with and support her foster children. She emphasises the importance of open communication and trust, especially regarding social media and online safety.

Fostering has taught Karen the importance of patience, understanding, and the value of shared experiences. She ensures her foster child learns essential life skills while also creating joyful memories. Karen is committed to making her foster child feel loved, valued, and always welcome in her home.

The support from Caritas Care has been outstanding, especially during personal challenges. Karen appreciates the genuine care and consistent check-ins from the agency, which have provided her with the resilience needed to continue her fostering journey.

Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the life of a child. If you are inspired by Karen’s journey and are considering fostering, Caritas Care offers the support and resources needed to start your own fostering adventure.

Karen’s journey with Caritas Care is a shining example of the positive impact foster care can have on both the carer and the child. Join Karen and Caritas Care in transforming lives, one child at a time.

Click here to enquire about fostering with Caritas Care or complete the form opposite and a member of our team will contact you.