Gaynor’s Journey to Becoming a Foster Carer is a story of love, family, and dedication, this is Gaynor and Stuart’s Foster Care Journey with Caritas Care…

For nearly a decade, Gaynor and Stuart have been fostering with Caritas Care, alongside their family. For Gaynor, fostering was a calling, inspired by her mother who was once a foster child. Despite changes in the system, the essence of fostering remains, Gaynor says, “ family is not always about blood but about the people who come into our lives and become family.”

Gaynor’s motivation to foster stemmed from her mother’s experiences and a deep-seated belief that fostering was her life’s purpose. “Fostering, for me, is a calling,” Gaynor shares. “I believe that certain personality traits, like compassion and kindness, are common among foster carers.”

Gaynor always dreamt of a home filled with children. Moving frequently as a child, she longed for stability and a large family. Though life took a different path, her dream lived on through fostering. After working as a Medical Secretary for over 25 years, an unexpected redundancy gave Gaynor and Stuart the perfect opportunity to start their fostering journey.

“Becoming foster carers gave me the family feeling I always wanted. It has made a significant difference in all our lives.”

Stuart, Gaynor’s husband, plays a practical role in their fostering partnership. Their balanced relationship positively impacts all the children they care for, including their own. Stuart provides a positive male role model, essential for many children who have not had one before. “Every relationship is different, but we are all family,” Gaynor emphasizes.

Choosing the right fostering agency was crucial for Gaynor and Stuart. Despite initial hesitation, a chance encounter with Caritas Care at a shopping centre felt like fate. After speaking with their team, they knew it was the right choice.

Even though they had to put their fostering plans on hold due to personal circumstances, Caritas Care’s support was unwavering. When they were ready, Caritas Care provided comprehensive information and support, making the approval process smooth and reassuring.

Initially, Gaynor and Stuart chose to provide respite care, fostering older children aged 0-18. Their first emergency respite placement lasted over two years, forming a strong bond with a teenager who became part of their family.

“Honesty is the best way to find your perfect match in fostering,” says Gaynor. Understanding that ‘perfect’ comes in many forms, they adapted their expectations with each new child. Their own life experiences, like Gaynor’s childhood of frequent moves, helped them empathize with the children they fostered.

Fostering has profoundly impacted Gaynor and Stuart’s biological children. Their youngest son, Cameron, initially adapted well, especially with teenagers. Over time, he formed strong bonds with the younger children they fostered. Their eldest daughter, inspired by their fostering experience, is now a teacher considering adoption.

One of their most touching stories is about Sarah, who came to them at the age of 14. Gaynor and Stuart discovered Sarah had a hearing impairment, unnoticed by others. With their support, Sarah regained her hearing and thrived. Sarah is now enjoying living independently and looking after her hearing assistant dog called Toby. Gaynor says, “Sarah loves taking Toby for long walks and going to church every Sunday. She also helps with the Brownies every week. She comes at least twice a week to our house to help me look after our granddaughter and to enjoy family meals with us.”

Gaynor and Stuart now foster two sisters on a long-term basis. The girls, arriving in a fragile state, have shown incredible resilience and have become an integral part of their family. “We do not love them any more or less than the rest of the family. They are our family.”

Gaynor praises Caritas Care for their outstanding support. She says, “The charity treats every family member equally, including birth children, ensuring everyone feels included and valued. My son Cameron, appreciates the ongoing support and acknowledges how fostering has made him a better person.

Reflecting on his experiences, Cameron shares, “I was nervous at first, but fostering has taught me to love and help others. It’s about getting over arguments and still loving each other. Fostering has developed me into a better person.”

Gaynor and Stuart’s fostering journey with Caritas Care is a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the belief that family extends beyond blood relations. Gaynor and Stuart hope that their story inspires others to consider fostering and the impact it can have on both the children and foster carers.