Long term fostering is so rewarding
Long term foster carer, Dawn Butterworth (53) from Newark, has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to fostering. She has fostered 7 children over her fostering career, including Jermaine, Dawn’s first foster child, who continues to be fostered by Dawn 10 years on.
The East Midlands carer talked about why she became a foster carer: “A neighbour of mine was a foster carer and I admired what she did. I said to my husband Michael that I’d like to become a foster carer and, with his support and encouragement, we applied. Initially we applied to the local authority, but then my neighbour provided me with details of a brand new agency. She knew the social worker and highly recommended her. So we gave this new agency, Fostering People, a call.
We found ourselves attending Fostering People’s very first training course. The training really opened our eyes to the types of behaviour and the challenges we could expect. Michael and I thought the social worker was exaggerating, that these were worst case scenarios, but I can honestly say, in my 10 years as a foster carer, all of the examples given have come to bear at some point or another.
I had no doubts about joining Fostering People, despite it being such a new and small agency. The staff were marvellous and Michael and I had complete respect and confidence in them.”
Fostering Long Term
“Our first fostering placement, Jermaine, came to us after we had been approved for 3 months. He was very difficult when he first arrived; he expected us to give up on him as he’d experienced this so often in the past. He tried to bring the placement to an end as soon as possible. He ran away on a regular basis but I was very clear with him; if he ran, I would not look for him. This approach seemed to work and he stopped running. Eventually he realised that we were not going to give up on him. It is heart breaking to think of but it wasn’t until he was placed with us, at the age of 8, that he had ever had a cuddle.”
Dawn went on to say: “During my fostering career I have experienced many challenges, but the rewards make it so worthwhile. I have been fortunate to be a long term foster carer. All the children come to me expecting me to give up on them but, with the support of the agency, I am now reaping the real reward of sticking by them, seeing the children I have cared for grow into confident, successful young adults.”
Dawn recently received a Long Service Award from Fostering People to mark her 10 years with the agency. Commenting on her award, Dawn said: “Fostering People are a very caring organisation, treating their foster carers with respect and professionalism. I am thrilled to receive this award, which I see as an extension of the agency’s caring ethos.”
When initially approved as a foster carer, Dawn fostered with her late husband Michael. In his memory the agency has established the Michael Butterworth Award for Outstanding Educational Achievement, given to a young person in the agency's care who has defied the odds and managed to overcome adversity and make significant improvements at school.
“This is a very fitting tribute to Michael. He really believed in giving something back and was especially involved in local school projects, giving inspirational speeches to year 10 students, teaching them interview techniques and ways of standing out from the crowd in preparation for joining the world of work. He would have been so proud to see the academic efforts of looked after children and young people being recognised in this way.”
Working as part of the Fostering People team
“The support from the agency is excellent. You never feel out on a limb, you are part of a team and the training provided is second to none. I really enjoy the camaraderie I share with the other foster carers. We’re all from such different backgrounds but we’re all together for one reason; we all want the best for the children and young people we look after.”
If you would like further information about becoming a foster carer, please complete our enquire online form or telephone 0800 077 8159.