Hi my name’s Caitlin.
Hi my name’s Caitlin. I am 17 years-old and my parents foster with Orange Grove.
I'm currently in my last year of sixth form and doing my A Level exams soon. I study History, Psychology and Media in the hope that when I leave school I can either go to university to study Children's Nursing or become a Carer at the care home I currently work at as a kitchen assistant. I have many interests and hobbies ranging from History, dinosaurs and reading.
This is my story of being a child of foster parents, and becoming a foster sibling.
How have you found your first year as a foster sister?
My first year as a foster sister has been a learning experience. I'm the youngest child of three so having someone younger than me in the house took some getting used to, especially because I was 16 years old at the time and the only child still at home.
I can proudly say being a foster sister has changed me in many ways. I learnt how no matter what someone's past is like you can always grow and flourish, I learnt patience and being a foster sister has brought out a more nurturing side of me.
What did you think initially when your parents told you they were thinking about fostering?
When my parents told me they were thinking about fostering I was not happy, I didn't like the idea of having someone else in my house, my safe space and it felt as if I could no longer have my own space at home. However this was not the case.
Over the past year, I look back and realise that fostering is potentially one of the best things my parents have done although I was unsure at first, now I understand that fostering - no matter whether short or long term - can have a really positive impact on a child and is the stepping stone they need to live the best life they can.
Can you share more about your relationship with your foster sister?
Though I was unsure at first, when my foster sister came home I felt I had a responsibility to make sure she was okay and happy. I changed her nappy, helped bathe her, taught her to roll, sit and even walk - and I feel as if this brought us together.
Although she won't remember me as she is being adopted, I will always remember her and the love I feel towards her and, even though she isn't my biological sister, she will always have a special place in my heart where I love her as my own sister.
What has been your favourite thing about fostering?
My favourite thing about fostering is seeing my foster sister grow. As I've said before, I’m the youngest child and I always wanted a younger sibling growing up. Watching a little baby who could not even roll over, to seeing a toddler walk around freely makes me so happy. These are life skills that me and my parents have taught her - something she will need for the rest of her life.
What advice would you give to other teenagers whose parents are thinking about fostering?
Though it can be a big change and make you feel uneasy, my advice to other teenagers is to remember that not everyone is as fortunate as you, not everyone has a place they can call home or people they feel loved by. Yes, it's a big change but it has a big impact on every child in the fostering system.
Could you foster?
If you’re interested in beginning your own fostering story, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our friendly fostering advisors today by filing out our online enquiry form.
Interested in hearing more stories from real foster families? Check out our foster parent stories here.
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