Foster carers Sobia and Akmal embarked on their fostering journey with their two boys, aged nine and twelve. They have been supporting a sibling group since April 2021. Together they have grown as a family with their foster children, and have learnt a lot from them. Their story is a testament to the impact of fostering on both the foster family and the children in care.

The Decision to Foster

Sobia shares, “We always wanted to show our boys that not all children are as fortunate as they are. We wanted them to be part of the fostering journey with us as a family.”

Choosing the Right Fostering Agency

Finding the right agency was very important to Sobia and Akmal. Sobia, an Educational Psychologist for a Local Authority, discovered different types of fostering agencies, including for-profit organisations. However, this did not fit with their values. They chose Caritas Care, a non-profit fostering charity, after careful consideration.

The Fostering Experience

“For us, fostering has never been about the money. It’s about finding the right match of children and agency to achieve our fostering dream,” Sobia explains. Caritas Care’s careful matching process reassured them, leading to the arrival of two boys, aged 9 and 11, in April 2021. She added, “The fostering experience has been a family experience, and we don’t think we could have done it with the support from committed members at Caritas Care.”

Building a Family Bond

Sobia Says, “The boys have grown together and learnt loads about each other. They bonded over their shared love of football and computer games, creating a strong family dynamic. Our birth children and foster children respect each other’s needs for space while enjoying activities together.”

Challenges and Rewards

Sobia and Akmal faced challenges along the way but remained resilient. Sobia’s professional background helped her understand the boys’ experiences and their impact on mental health and well-being. She told us, “We want the boys to believe in themselves, whether it’s in sports or academics.”

Support from Caritas Care

Caritas Care’s support was very important to their fostering success. Sobia describes the Caritas Care as a small, family-oriented unit. “Our Social Worker is organised, responsive, and proactive. Fostering with Caritas Care is everything we thought it would be and more,” says Sobia.

A Fulfilling Journey

Sobia feels complete through fostering. “I’ve achieved everything on my bucket list. I wanted to be a mother, have a career, marry the right man, and create a home. Now, I want to see all our children succeed and function independently in society.”

Advice for Prospective Foster Parents

Sobia’s advise to anyone considering fostering is, “Go for it! It’s not easy and there are challenges, but the rewards are far greater. Knowing you’ve made a positive difference in a child’s life is incredibly fulfilling.” We can see the difference we have made on a daily basis and that is an amazing feeling!

Conclusion

Sobia and Akmal’s fostering journey demonstrates the impact of providing a loving, stable home for children in need. Their story inspires others to consider fostering, highlighting the importance of patience, resilience, and the right support system.

By sharing their experiences, Sobia and Akmal hope to encourage more individuals and families to explore the rewards of fostering, making a long-term difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

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

You can keep updated with our fostering service through our Facebook page, click here