CHRISTMAS 2015: Poignant festive wishes from children in foster homes

DOZENS of children and young people in foster homes with Somerset County Council’s foster carers have marked the festive season by sharing their Christmas wishes – some of which are very sad and poignant.

The council is always looking for more foster families, most urgently for those aged 11 to 21, and this was the age group asked to contribute their festive wishes.

Whether it’s a ‘big room’ or a ‘puppy’; for ‘everyone to be happy’, or to ‘see my little sister and brother’, the wishes show that the aspirations of children in foster placements are no different from those living with their birth families.

A vital part of a Somerset Foster Carer’s role is working closely with a young person’s family members and other professionals. It, crucially, involves supporting children and teenagers to maintain regular contact with their family, and hopefully reach a point where the child is able to return home, if it is safe and appropriate for them to do so. That is never more important than over the festive period.

Here are some of their festive wishes…

To have time to be happy and relaxed, not worried about life.

To be with people who care about me.

To see my best friends.

A puppy.

A horse.

To see my little brother and sister.

A make-up hamper.

People treating me as part of their family, even though I'm not.

Everyone to be happy.

To see my Grandad.

For more children to be happy this and next year.

The council’s children and families’ spokesman, Cllr Frances Nicholson, said: “The children and young people’s Christmas wishes are very poignant.

“It just shows the extraordinary difference our hard-working foster carers can make to both children and families experiencing crisis. They are professionals who with an open heart, and understanding, can give hope and guidance to a child or teenager in difficulty.

“We need many more foster carers, particularly in and around Yeovil, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Bridgwater, Minehead and Taunton.

“Having more foster carers means we can give young people more options that will enable them to stay close to their schools, friends, and loved ones – where possible – which is vital for giving them the stability and grounding they deserve.

“Make 2016 matter. If you’ve been considering a change of career, or feel your life experience means you could help, please get in touch.”

Foster Carers can offer a safe, stable home to an older child or teenager who for various reasons is unable to live with their birth family. These young people need enthusiastic, resilient and supportive foster carers or foster families to be there for them when times are tough.

Find out how you could start your fostering journey in 2016. Phone our Fostering Team on 0800 587 9900, visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk or book a slot for your confidential, one-to-one chat, being held on Monday, January 11, 2016, from 9am to 4pm: http://www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/meet-one-of-the-team-for-your-personal-fostering-chat-in-2016/ .

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