FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT This is the best thing I’ve ever don
Couple are transforming kids’ lives by taking them into their home and
Husband-and-wife team Graeme and Shona Small moved into foster care from running their own childminding business from home.
Graeme says something as simple as teaching a child how to swim or introducing them to a new experience is what makes the role so rewarding.
He said: “It can be as simple as when we had a wee boy and we gave him a bath. He had never had one and thought it was Christmas and didn’t want to come back out.”
The couple have been with Renfrewshire Council for just over two years and Graeme added: “We’ve had babies stay with us from weeks old until they’re toddlers. “Watching them develop into brilliant people is very powerful.
“We had a child who was here from a few weeks old and we actually met her with her new family.
“She ran and jumped into our arms she was so happy to see us, but was equally happy to go back to her adoptive mum and dad. That was the icing on the cake.
“I always maintain that a foster carer’s role is to give children a great start and going back to their own family, or onto adoptive parents, is what will give them a great future.
“To see these wee children progressing just melts your heart.
“Money can’t buy that, and I really mean that.”
Graeme and Shona are also parents to a 16-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.
Graeme added: “They have basically grown up with other children in the house because we were childminding before fostering.
“My daughter loves it, especially when we have babies.
“When you have a child with difficulties and you see a major turn You can help give a child a better future
Potential foster carers are being called on to help Renfrewshire Council hit the magic number of 100 people in the rewarding role.
Foster carers are supporting the campaign to increase their number by almost a fifth – from 81 to 100.
Children and young people of all ages need carers who will help them feel wanted, valued and safe.
If you are aged 21 or over, have a spare room and are in good health, you can apply to help make a difference to a child’s life.
Children and young people of all ages need carers who will help them feel wanted, valued and safe.
As a foster carer, you can be in work or unemployed, be single, married, or in a same sex or heterosexual relationship and can own or rent the property you live in.
around d and d th they b become polite, lit social and happy and like one of your own children because of what you do on a daily basis, that is so rewarding.
“It’s actually made us all feel humble at times. If you’re a foster carer, you are doing it for the children and to try and make a difference in their lives. To me there aren’t any real negatives.
“We have a wall in the house with photos of all the children we’ve looked after and every one of them has a smile from ear to ear.
“We love it and it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
“I know if I pass away tomorrow, I’ve done a good thing with my life.”
Shona said: “I love kids and love thinking I’m playing a part in shaping the next generation.
“They keep me young and focused and it’s nice to be able to offer
To see these kids progressing just melts your heart Graeme Small
You will be supported on every step of the journey with advice, specialist training and peer support and will also receive a generous allowance.
To mark Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until May 27, the local authority is holding a series of informal drop-in events.
Potential foster carers can get more information from the the council’s team of professionals, as well as a chance to chat with people already in the role.
There is a drop-in information day at Renfrew Health Centre today, between 10am and noon, and also tomorrow, at Johnstone Town Hall, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Express readers interested in finding out more should call 0300 300 1199, or send an email to childrenandfamilies@ renfrewshire.gov.uk nurture, t care and d security. it
“It’s very much a give and take. The kids probably don’t realise they are giving quite as much as they do.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and the fact that we work together means we can support and understand each other better.
“Our own kids are also very welcoming and good at sharing mum and dad. It’s a whole family approach and brings out the best in all of us.”