From Newtownards, Fiona Kingsley and her family’s foster care journey began in January 2017. Over the past eight years the family have welcomed, nurtured and loved 25 children to their home and hearts.
Fiona explained how she and her husband got their first placement in November 2017 and, “we haven’t looked back.”
“I got involved as a Foster Carer as I love children. I started out as a nanny, I worked in a day nursery. We have our own children and my husband and I thought we had much more love to give. We had space in our home and we could fit people into our lives,” said Fiona.
Fiona continued, “So far we have had nine placements and our longest was for a period of three years. In-between that we have also had a lot of respite stays at our home. Our twins were six when we started as foster carers and they are now 13. Our girls are very much part of our fostering journey and they are brilliant with the children that come into our home. They just love them and are a great help to us.”
When asked what Fiona and her husband get in return for being Foster Carers, Fiona simply replied, “love.”
“There is no denying there are hard days, but it is very rewarding when you get to the end of the journey with that child, when they are preparing to go back to their parents and for us there is a sense of ‘we have done everything possible for that child.’ The children we have welcomed into our home are treated as our children. They are very much part of extended family.”
For those who may want to consider becoming Foster Carers, Fiona said, “Look into it, definitely do the research and find out more. I know it’s not for everybody but if you have the space, the capability and the love you will enjoy it. We don’t say goodbye when the children go, we always say, “see you later.’”
Fiona added, “For me it is such a rewarding thing to do. The first day a child arrives, of course they are bewildered. The ones who are older, they aren’t used to the house but on the day that they leave they have become part of our family and I believe we have been able to give them the love and support along the way.
“We do hope that we have been able to make a positive impact on a child’s life, to give the stability into adulthood. Becoming a foster carer is very much giving that child a place of security and safety.”
South Eastern Trust Fostering Head of Service Nuala Hanna commented, “Fiona and her family do an amazing job providing a safe and secure home to the children in their care. Like so many of our foster carers, they regularly go above and beyond and always prioritise the children’s needs. If you feel that like Fiona, you could offer a safe and loving foster home where children can develop and thrive, please get in touch as we would love to hear from you.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Foster Carer, please get in touch with HSC NI Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or visit adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net