Bethany's story

I have been fostering for just over two years and I have looked after four children aged between 0-4 years.

Like other jobs working with children, fostering can be very rewarding, even if it isn’t always easy. It requires patience, dedication, consistency and security. I have had many positive experiences and so many happy times. Some highlights for me have been seeing the look of excitement on a child's face when she visited a farm for the first time. We spent hours there looking at the animals but it was worth it to see the happiness it brought her. Seeing the reaction of a child who loved her new shoes so much that she would not take them off, even at bedtime! Also watching a child experience her first trip to the seaside. How thrilled she was making a sandcastle, collecting shells and then going for a paddle in the sea. Happy Times! To have the satisfaction of sharing and being part of these special milestones is wonderful.

The wide range of training courses that Walsall provide prepares you throughout each year for many of the challenges you may have to face. The support I have had from the team at Walsall Children’s Services has been excellent. There is always someone there to talk to. Right from the moment I made the call to them they were supportive. I was quite anxious to start with as being a single parent I wasn't sure what response I would get and if I would be made to feel different. I need not have worried. They gave me great advice, assistance and encouragement and that has continued right up to the present day.

Fostering is without a doubt the most rewarding job I have ever done. It has given me a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. To anyone considering fostering I would say if you can offer time and commitment then get in touch. It will probably be the best decision you ever made. It certainly was for me.