“I like the Team Parenting approach – it’s wraparound support for you and the child, so you can care for them in the best way possible.”

Meet Shannon, a foster carer from West Lothian who has been fostering for 6 years with Foster Care Associates Scotland. She shares the wraparound support she’s received for her family, and how fostering has changed her life for the better.

Shannon and her partner currently care for a 7-year-old girl who has been in their care for just over a year.  

Shannon and her partner have always been used to opening up their home, so fostering felt like the right path after the couple had the space to welcome vulnerable young people who needed stability from a loving fostering family. The couple now currently care for a 7-year-old girl who has been with them for over a year, after previously having experience fostering a teenager.

“We are trying to create that safe environment for her and make her feel like she’s well cared for which is good.”

“The nicest part of fostering is knowing that you’ve grown as a person with these children too, and knowing you are making the children feel safe and well connected.”

Talking about the impact that fostering has had on her own child, Shannon said: “My little boy has turned into the most amazing little boy, he’s so happy to help others and he sees it from a different understanding that these children need support just as much as he does.

When asked about the support provided by FCA Scotland, Shannon replied: “The therapy support is really helpful. We work closely with the in-house therapist for help with most of the children that we’ve looked after, and that support is great. I can always reach my Supervising Social Worker, and there is always someone on the other end of the phone. If you need the team to come out to you then they do.”

She continues: “I like their Team Parenting approach – it’s wraparound support for you and the child so you can care for them in the best way possible. It’s the reason that Foster Care Associates Scotland stood out the most for us.

When asked what advice Shannon would give to those thinking of fostering, she answers: “Go into fostering with an open mind. Be open and honest so the right child is matched in your care, and you find the right fit for you and your family.”

If you’ve been thinking about fostering, then speak to one of our friendly advisors today and discover what it’s like to foster with Foster Care Associates Scotland. 

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