Fostering as a Family

Between the ages of 5 and 19, Kerrie lived as part of a fostering family who cared for over 100 children. For Kerrie, fostering was sometimes and adventure and sometimes like a 24-hour working day.

“I was only 5 when my family started fostering and I thought it was going to be like having a friend to sleep over for a few weeks,” remembers Kerrie. “Sometimes it could be like that but like any job it had its ups and its downs. And when I say job, I do mean job. A job for me, my brother and sister, not just my mom and dad; we were all involved in various ways. It was a fun job at times and then not so fun at others.

“It was fun not knowing who was going to be with us. Some days we would wake up to find a new face peeking out of the bedroom opposite. Then as we got older, finding empty beds where people had decided to check themselves out in the middle of the night, sometimes along with MY clothes and MY CDs!”

Fostering as an extended family

For Kerrie, fostering was just like having an extended family, complete with extra brothers and sisters. But like any family, it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

“Some days we all got along and other days we would all fall out,” says Kerrie. “But for all the fall outs, my strongest memories are of the good times.

“Having Mom at home was also a fantastic bonus, which I didn’t fully appreciate when I was growing up. Mom was always there to pick us up from school, and attend any events we were involved in. However, the reality of this sometimes meant meetings at our house and being shut out of the front room. The telephone calls were the worst as these were unscheduled, had to be confidential and could often last up to an hour.

“The hardest part of fostering has got to be when someone you really like or care for as a brother or sister leaves. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t every placement we had, some I was pleased to see leave but I can remember a few in particular that felt like I’d lost someone close. I can remember when I was 10 we fostered a baby from birth, he stayed with us until he was 18 months, he was my little brother and we were his family. I think he affected us all the most when he left. All ended well though and when he moved back to his family we still saw him.

“This is how it happened with many, those who went on to be adopted often kept in contact and the same often went for those who went back home. Mom still has contact with someone who left us 15 years ago. Another consequence of fostering which I have found more positive than negative is learning to share. It’s not just sharing your toys and games, which all children have to learn. It’s also sharing your home and more importantly your parents.”

Are you thinking of becoming a foster parent?

Key Assets Fostering is looking for foster parents across Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. We are happy to talk with anyone who is thinking of fostering to provide more information about the training and support we offer to suit your needs.

If you think fostering sounds like something you could do, or if you want to begin a meaningful career which could change the lives of children and youth across Canada, please contact Key Assets Fostering today.

Read more Key Assets Fostering case studies.