A Parent and Child fostering placement, from a parents' perspective

Wendy and Wayne* began a Parent and Child fostering placement with their second child, moving in with Calon Cymru foster carers, Paul and Barbara.

With the support of Paul and Barbara, they gained valuable insights about themselves, their baby, and their relationships with others. Ultimately, the placement was successful, and they left to embark on a new chapter of life as a family of three. We spoke with the couple to learn more about how parent and child fostering has changed their, and their baby’s lives.

How did you feel when you were told you would be going into a parent and child fostering placement?

We were over the moon for the opportunity, but really scared at the same time.

Do you feel the same way now?

No we don’t.

Now we feel like we have known Barbara and Paul for ages, and we’re not as nervous anymore, we can talk about anything. We feel like we’ve learnt a lot. We know how to meet baby’s needs, and to look for cues and how to wrap her in a swaddle. I feel much more confident about everything now and I’m not afraid to ask questions.

How did you feel walking into Paul and Barbara’s house for the first time?

We were nervous, but hoped that it would work out. We thought we may lose our baby, like we did our first child.

Have your lives changed since coming into the placement?

Yes, we have more of an insight to parenting, the carers have taught us a lot. After our parenting sessions we would talk things through with Barbara and Paul so we made sure we understood and could ask any questions.

We never thought we would go home with our baby, but we are, and this is life changing for us.

What is your relationship like with Paul and Barbara? What sort of things have they helped you with?

It’s like we have had a long friendship for ages, and we want to keep that relationship with them, so they are part of our baby girl’s life growing up.

Communication is key around here! They open up to us, and we can open up to them, it’s all about trust.

They have helped us with a lot. We now understand budgeting, shopping, meal planning, and first aid. They have supported me at hospital appointments when I needed an ear operation and hearing aid. They’ve also helped me continue with driving lessons which help me pass my test. They have helped us understand our relationship and how to work together.

Over the past couple of months, have you learnt anything about yourself, your baby, or other people such as Paul and Barbara?

We’ve learnt to to be patient with ourselves and things will come together in the end. Don’t give up and things will be ok.

We have learnt how to read baby’s signs that she gives out, different cries and signals in what she wants.

We’ve learnt that other people like Paul and Barbara truly want the best for you.

If you could give advice to someone about to go into a parent and child fostering placement, what would it be?

Don’t be scared, and be patient with yourselves, it will all work out if you put your heart into it. Talk to the carers and don’t isolate yourselves, they are here to help and with you every step of the way.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

A massive thank you! We can’t thank Barbara and Paul enough.

*Names changed to protect the parents and baby.