Dom and Steph started their journey started in August 2024, applying as disability short breaks carers, before changing to full-time, short-term carers for children with disabilities.
On fostering, they said: “We love the relationship we have built with our young person. That relationship is everything and it brings us joy every day to see how much progress he is making in all areas.
“People often say that our young person is 'lucky' to be placed with us; but he genuinely enriches our lives just as much, if not, more, than what we do his.”
And on what to say to people considering fostering: “We would say, 'Do it!'. It is undoubtedly the best decision we ever made in our lives. We get to have an amazing young person in our lives, whilst being supported to navigate the trickier times by our social worker.
“Whilst it has never been the driving force behind us going on our fostering journey; the financial support has also meant we can save money, whilst also being able to provide life - enriching activities that our young person deserves. We've already taken him away on two staycations!
“There are so many different types of fostering to consider, something we were unaware of. From emergency, respite breaks or full time; there are options based on how much time you can commit to supporting a young person.
“Of course, there are tricky times but the good out - weighs the bad a thousand times over.”