Meet Mandy and Mark …
Mandy and Mark were recently approved as foster carers for Tree House Care and Mandy took a moment to reflect on their fostering journey so far.
An easy-to-follow process from start to finish
From my first enquiry, I found the fostering process with Tree House Care clear and manageable. I was supported at every stage and never felt like I was going through it alone.
Enjoyable and valuable training
The training was informative, enjoyable and gave me a much better understanding of what fostering involves. It helped me develop new skills and gave me the confidence to take the next step.
Meeting new people
One of the unexpected benefits was meeting other people who were also beginning or were already on their fostering journey. Sharing experiences and learning together helped me feel part of a supportive community.
“Looking back, the fostering journey gave me much more than I expected. It helped me learn new skills, reflect on my own experiences and meet people who shared the same desire to make a difference. Most importantly, it prepared me to offer a child a safe, supportive and caring home.”
A chance to reflect on my own experiences
The assessment process gave me the opportunity to look back at my own life experiences. Talking about my history and writing my autobiography was surprisingly therapeutic and helped me understand how my experiences could shape the way I support a child.
Educational and rewarding
The whole process was educational, but also incredibly rewarding. I learned more about myself, children and young people, and what it means to provide a safe and nurturing home.
Six months that changed my perspective
The assessment took around six months, which gave me time to learn, reflect and prepare for the role. By the end of the process, I felt much more confident about becoming a foster carer.
The fostering panel
Before attending panel, I was told it could feel a little like being in court. (Although I have never been there either!) I was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed and supportive the experience was. The panel gave me the opportunity to talk about my journey and why I wanted to foster.
We know this is the start of a rewarding career in fostering for Mandy and Mark, and we can’t wait to see the great difference they make to the lives of our children.
