Bernie fostered 52 children
Having fostered her very first child nineteen years ago, inspiring Dundalk mum Bernie McGuinness says her incredible journey, during which she fostered 52 children ‘changed our family’s life for the better.’
‘I can’t really begin to highlight how much these last 19 years, and every single child I have met and cared for along the way have meant to me,’ said Bernie, who is joining Tusla Louth’s Fostering campaign.
‘I remember seeing an ad years ago in a local paper actually, looking for a family to take in four siblings for Christmas. It just broke my heart really. I had just had a baby, and wasn’t in a position to help then, but a few years later I decided to begin the journey.’
‘My very first child, her mum was very ill, but she only stayed with me while her mum went to hospital appointments, not overnight. I realised then that there were all sorts of reasons why a child might need foster care. Sometimes their family might just need that extra support for awhile.’
Bernie added that she had always loved children, and had worked as an Au Pair when she was younger.
Despite the challenges of foster care, Bernie said: ‘I enjoy caring for children. And I always believed that there are no bad children, there are just children who are confused, upset and vulnerable.’
Other challenges can include children returning home to their own family after they have formed a bond with their carer.
‘I’ve had children who have stayed with me for many years, and of course you develop bonds with them, they become a natural part of your family, and their leaving will always be hard. But when you know they are back with their family again and are thriving, that is what matters most.’
She adds: ‘I can only say that fostering has enhanced our lives. My two daughters are in their twenties now, they grew up with children being fostered in our home since they were very young, and it became normal life for them to have children from different backgrounds, and different cultures in our lives.’
So positive were Bernie’s family about their experiences that her daughters are now also considering becoming foster parents.
‘I also introduced my sister in law to fostering, and my aunt. My sister is also going through the process at the moment too.’
‘I think they have all see how positive I am about fostering, and realised how much you really get back from it.’
‘I would say to anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer... just go for it. Start the process and see for yourself what an incredible experience it can be.’
She added: ‘ You don’t have to be a special person to foster.. you just need to be kind. Children don’t need a supermum, they just want stability and a normal life.’
Bernie added: ‘ Yes there may be bumps in the road, but there is fantastic help from Tusla when you need it. I have found the support fantastic from social workers in particular.’