'Forever Family' a Guide to Fostering for Sons and Daughters of Fostering Families

FOREVER FAMILY WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED

BY RUBY (17) (THE DAUGHTER OF FOSTER CARERS)

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This is my family; mum, dad, my sister and me. I love them and they love me.

We live in the countryside in a house with two gardens. We have two pet rabbits, a dog and three cats. We love our house and our pets.

Me and my sister grew up happily together until we were teenagers. we knew that some children were not as happy as us, because not all children had families like ours.

My mum and dad have always been very caring and often said that they wanted to look after children without families of their own. They are very thoughtful and said they wanted to share our family with those who need one.

One day my mum and dad told me and my sister that they had found a child in need of a forever family. I was scared and worried about sharing my family because I love them and I didn’t know what impact introducing a foster child would have.

I had feelings of fear, worry and sadness, however, I took a breath and tried letting go of those feelings. it’s okay to be scared, everyone gets scared of new things.

NEW HOME

My new sister arrived and I soon realised how lucky I really was to have such a loving family. I also then understood how scared she must have been; she didn’t know any of us and just had to trust us.

A year later and I adore my new sister. She is my sister by heart and I will always protect her. Not a day passes when she fails to make me smile. She is my biggest inspiration and I am proud to call her my sister.

I am so proud of my family for how much we have achieved this year. However, the story carries on as my mum and dad continue their mission to help more children find a forever family.

This time I won’t be scared and I can do my best to make my new siblings feel welcome in their new home. It won’t be easy but it always rains before the rainbow can show!

This is my new family! Mum, dad, sister, me and my new sister. We all love each other and will be a family forever.

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This booklet has been created by Ruby Macey from Andover with the help of Fixers, the charity that gives young people a voice, to share her experiences of being the daughter of foster carers. www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk www.barnardos.org.uk www.fosteringsupportgroup.com With thanks to five rivers.

Company 2194957 Charity 298643 Š 2016