Read Jenna’s last diary entry as she is about to become a foster parent! Read her thoughts as she attends panel and starts to consider her options regarding placements, and how she felt throughout the whole process.
Exciting news on the fostering front! Since last month, I’ve made a huge step in my journey towards becoming a foster parent with Changing Futures Fostering. After a thorough assessment process guided by the supportive team, I am thrilled to announce that I have been approved by the fostering panel and am now eagerly awaiting my first placement.
After weeks of preparation and anticipation, the day of the panel finally arrived. Sitting before a panel of professionals from all different backgrounds, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I shared my journey and aspirations to provide a loving and stable home for a child in need. I talked a little bit about my background, why I wanted to foster, the skills I have and how my support system will help me. It’s fair to say I was a little nervous at first, but everyone was lovely and put me at ease. I didn’t have much to worry about!
It was amazing when I was told I would be approved. Even though the journey has just begun, it was a bit overhwhelming to know that I would soon actually be a foster parent! Wow!
Now, as an agency, we are looking at my first placement. While this is underway, I find myself reflecting on the big responsibility that comes with fostering. I feel as if the training has been fantastic in preparing me for this.
Of course, I am grateful for the unwavering support and guidance I have received from Sarah, Mark, and the entire team at Changing Futures Fostering. Their expertise, encouragement, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children have been invaluable throughout this journey.
I eagerly await news of my first placement, but I have been told that a 12-year-old boy would be ideal for me. After learning a bit about his background, I think this would be a good start for me and more importantly, a good fit for both of us. We will be meeting each other tomorrow, and now it really does feel like I am becoming a foster parent!
Already, I’ve been invited to my first foster parent support session. So this is where all the foster parents in the agency get together and have a chat, and support each other, and overall it just sounds really helpful. It’s nice to feel included so early on after becoming a foster parent. I’m relieved to know the agency has such a tight-knit feel about it, and not just from the staff.
My advice? Just go for it. Listening to the other foster parents and their amazing stories, I am currently thinking to myself why didn’t I do this sooner?