‘The previous agency we fostered with was very corporate, and when we went there it was very classy; however, nobody seemed to care, it was a cold place. We were so close to leaving so many times. Our social workers appeared to go quickly; when they made a home visit, it felt like they could not get of the house quick enough. Every time we would call to speak with them, we found they too had left; why such a high turnover of staff?’

‘The main difference is the support network throughout Caritas Care, from management at the top all the way through; it is outstanding. We feel appreciated through this support, and in turn, we appreciate them; especially now because of COVID, they have pulled out all the stops.

Everyone at Caritas Care is the same. I can go for six months without speaking to Rebecca Hughes, the Fostering Manager. Yet if we talk, it feels like we spoke only the day before; there are no airs or graces. Every time you visit their agency, you can feel the warmth from everyone there; it’s a lovely feeling because you feel valued and welcomed; that’s important for both ourselves and A’.

When times get tough, and you need support, Caritas Care get it right. They are with you by your side, giving you the information and support you need to get through it. This support is where healthy relationships are essential. When I spoke with Steph at the beginning of our journey, I knew we would be okay. Part of the agency’s problem before was that we felt it was part of a large consortium, it was very Corporate, and we felt like we were a number’.

Caritas makes you feel like you belong for who you are.

‘We wanted to feel that we belonged and valued as people for what we had to give, not just for having a spare bedroom. Maybe I over thought it, however, for us, we had started to take it as expected to be mistreated, and that is when we knew we had to get out or give it up completely. And that is when we found Caritas Care, around the corner from home and began the journey of transferring over’.

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Special thanks to Verve Recruitment for their support in helping us find more foster carer for more children.