Fostering Success: Carolyn and Keith’s Journey of Care and Commitment

Carolyn and Keith have been committed foster carers for more than a decade. They currently offer long-term support to a young person through the Staying Put scheme, after having fostered them on a long-term basis. Over the years, they have also fostered sibling groups and provided respite care for many children. Their fostering journey is driven by a mutual passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Carolyn’s Early Years and the Call to Foster

Originally from Northern Ireland, Carolyn grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit family and community of friends. When she moved to England, she felt the absence of that supportive network. Although she enjoyed her job at a nursery, she found herself wanting to offer more individualized care to children.

After raising her own children and caring for her father before his passing, Carolyn and her husband, Keith, sought to fill the void left by their bustling household. They realised fostering would be a way to channel their energy into helping a child or young person grow and thrive in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Carolyn reflects, “Fostering seemed like the natural next step. In the nursery, I felt spread too thin across many children. I wanted to make a more lasting impact on a child’s life—to help them grow and pursue their dreams.”

The Challenges and Rewards of Fostering

Fostering is not without its challenges, as Carolyn and Keith have discovered. “Every child who comes into our home is treated as part of the family,” Carolyn explains, “but setting boundaries is important, even if it’s different from what we’re used to.” These boundaries evolve over time, as the family learns and grows together.

Understanding the unique traumas and triggers each child brings can be difficult. Carolyn emphasises the importance of mindfulness, both in how they interact with the children and each other. “What seems ordinary to us can sometimes cause discomfort or upset for a foster child. We have to remain aware and compassionate.”

One of the more complex aspects of fostering, Carolyn notes, is managing relationships with the child’s birth family. “We’ve been lucky, but it can be tough. Birth families may feel conflicted, and we often have to mediate. It’s important to be patient and work toward making it successful – ultimately, it’s all about what’s best for the child.”

After visits with their birth families, the children can struggle with emotions they don’t yet fully understand. “It’s difficult for them to process,” Carolyn explains, “but we give them the space and support they need, and they know we’re always here for them.”

Building a Supportive Foster Home

Carolyn believes that the key to a successful foster home lies in creating a shared experience. “We do things together that everyone can enjoy. Fostering has made us more aware of the factors that affect children, especially their developing brains. Staying calm, listening, and being open helps, and adding a little fun doesn’t hurt either. I find a cup of tea and a chat often does the trick! When things don’t go as planned, we reset and start fresh – every day is a new day.”

The couple also values the importance of their support network. “It really does take a village to raise a child,” Carolyn says, “and we’re lucky to have the support of our friends and family.”

The Essential Support from Caritas Care

Carolyn cannot overstate the value of the support she and Keith receive from Caritas Care. “Thank goodness we’re with Caritas Care! Their training is excellent, covering a wide range of situations we might face as foster carers. And the team, any member of the team, is always just a phone call away, whether it’s for advice, guidance, or immediate help.  It’s not been unknown for them to hop in the car and come straight over to us!”

She also appreciates the assistance of the Caritas Care therapist, who has provided invaluable support during challenging times. “It’s comforting to know that, no matter what, Caritas Care has our back. If you’re thinking about fostering, I highly recommend them—you’ll always be in good hands.”

Carolyn and Keith’s fostering journey shows their resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping children grow in a loving, supportive home. Through their efforts, they have transformed lives and continue to inspire others to consider the rewarding path of fostering.

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