Sometimes the best solution is for the child to remain with a foster family for several years or up until they are ready to take care of themselves, which is where long-term foster care comes in.
The majority of foster carers are interested in long term placements. They’re interested in forming a bond, in creating a family experience for the child, of loving the child, of being able to make a real positive impact on their lives. It’s an emotional investment.
Vince made the brave decision himself at the age of 14 that he wanted to go into foster care because his mum wasn’t coping.
His long-term foster carers, Jennifer and Michael, built strong relationships of trust with him. He eventually started knuckling down at school and followed his dream of joining the Army.
His new self-confidence and growing self-awareness led him to the role he really wanted with the Royal Corps of Signals. Before he left, he said he knew he’d miss his foster parents and that “fostering has been the best thing that ever happened to me”. Read Vince’s touching story in full.