Sarah is 13 years old and her mum is a foster carer. She emailed us her story about what it's really like to live with foster children...
Sarah's Story
My mum is a foster carer, which means she looks after children who don't have parents or guardians able to do so, and I'm a foster sibling, which is like a foster carer, except rather than being a child's guardian, I'm more like their sister.
Fostering and adopting are two different things. When you adopt someone you have them forever, but when you foster - like we do - it's just for a bit (exactly how long depends on if you're a long time or short time carer).
“Being a foster sibling is a big responsibility”
People can be put in foster care for many reasons. It might be because their parents are ill or it might be that their adoptive parents are going somewhere that they can't go, so they have to stay with foster carers for a bit. Sometimes they just have to stay somewhere for a bit because they can't find a good adoptive home.
It's not easy
The process for becoming a foster carer is very long. I cant remember exactly, but I think it took me and mum about a year to be accepted; you have to go to lots of meetings and fill in lots and lots of forms, but it was all totally worth it.
Being a foster sibling can sometimes be harder than being the carer. The kids get close to you, and of course you get close to them - after all, it's really like having a brother or sister.
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Part of the family
“You never know for sure when they'll have to leave”
Whenever we look after people they come to me for help and to talk about their problems; often they're missing their parents. You have to be careful what you say to them, being a foster sibling is a big responsibility.
When I first became a foster sibling I did feel a bit jealous. Seeing children you barely know come into your home and get lots of attention can be strange! But i'm used to it now and try to make them feel at home.
The worst part of being a foster sibling is when they leave. We have two children at the moment and I'm really close to them, but I know they are leaving soon. I'll really miss them. As a foster sibling, it's hard because you never know for sure when they'll have to leave, it could be anything from one month to six.
It's a great experience
I love being a foster sibling and if your family is thinking about becoming foster carers, then I'd say stop thinking and do it! It's great and after getting used to it, I truly love it. When I'm older, one thing's for sure... I definitely want to become a foster carer.
For more info, help and advice on being in care, check out The Surgery
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Samia, 12
Wow, Yuu Are Amazing, So Is Yurr Mum! Keep It Up!
Becky, 16
That sounds so cool! :D It's actually made me think that i want to do it. Even though when the children leave, it does sound hard lol x
millie, 11
wow you must be proud helping those kids
Emily, 13
Yeh My Granddad Is a Foster Carer Too I have One Kid who is 3 year older than me who has lived with us since i can remeber. The foster kids are usually alright one of the previous ones i met a guy who im totally in love with and at the mo im sitting here with a girl my age and she is awsome (y)
lizzy , 13
i know the feeling coz i am actually in foster care.i think that foster carers are pretty amazing people because they take children into there home not knowing what to expect. they always care for you and love you just like you are their child. my foster siblings are reli nice to me and if i ever need help with something i can always ask them. i love my foster home and im lucky that im going to be here until im 18.good for you that you want to be a foster carer its reli alot of work :D
Natalie, 15
I think that being a "foster sibling" as you put it, is something that I wish had never happened. the pain i go through when the children leave is unbearable. it's a horrible thing to have to go through. my parents have fostered children from all walks of life, since i was 6 years old. I dont feel like i can get close to anyone anymore because i'm scared they'll be taken away like the children. I know my family is doing an amazing thing. But it's affected me in the long term.
Elle, 14
Aww your story is so sweet! xxx
Lucy, 14
i'm in foster care atm and my foster sibling is a boy he really nice n sweet n looks after me iv been here for three months now n they thinkin about adoptin me so yayyy goodtime x
