Caroline started fostering 20 years ago after going through a divorce and feeling like something was missing in her life. After 10 years as a foster parent, life took her in a new direction.
When the pandemic struck a decade later, Caroline was inspired to return to fostering - this time with Orange Grove.
Caroline has been fostering with us since 2022 and currently has a two and six-year-old sibling group in her care. Here’s Caroline's fostering story.
Caroline’s journey into fostering
Caroline began working with children in 1983 in a day nursery run by social services.
She said: “I always knew I wanted to take care of vulnerable children and while working in social services day nurseries, I witnessed children who had been abused and neglected coming in and out of care.
“Unfortunately, these closed down so I took the opportunity to take a promotion and went on to manage other children’s nurseries instead. I got married, then later got divorced. I didn’t have any children of my own and felt like there was something missing in my life.”
After seeing posters advertising for foster parents in her local community, Caroline applied and fostered with her local council for ten years, balancing fostering with her full-time career.
Rediscovering fostering with Orange Grove
A decade after resigning as a foster parent, Caroline began reconsidering fostering during the pandemic.
She said: “It was during the pandemic that I started researching fostering again. I contacted some fostering agencies and knew from the very first phone call that Orange Grove was the company for me.”
She continued: “When restrictions were over, I was visited by the registered manager, Raj. We talked about the difficulties I had experienced in the past, and she really reassured me. A short time after, I was approved and was suitably matched with two young boys aged four and ten months old.”
"Go for it, just have a go. It isn’t an easy journey, but it’s very rewarding."
Beautiful attachments
When the brothers arrived, Caroline instantly connected with the 10-month-old.
She said: “I just got down on the floor, looked at him straight in the eyes, and gave him the biggest smile. That attachment was instant, and it just grew and grew.”
This bond was especially memorable, as she helped him develop physically and emotionally, from sitting up to eventually walking.
She said: “He had a flat back from lying in a cot so much. We didn’t think he’d crawl, but when he was ready, he got up and did it. Now he’s just incredible, and I give myself a pat on the back knowing I was part of his journey.”
Supporting children through to adoption
Caroline supported both boys emotionally and educationally, eventually seeing them through to their adoption, which was a deeply emotional experience.
She said: “It was the most wonderful experience but also one of my hardest points—handing those children over. I get choked up now just thinking about it.”
The older boy had a touching request for Caroline before leaving for adoption.
She said: “He asked, ‘How are you never going to forget me?’ He wanted me to visit, send cards, and buy him things I thought he would like. I’ve kept my promise, and I send them postcards and little gifts to this day.”
Breakthrough moments
Caroline is now fostering a two- and six-year-old sibling pair and is open about the challenges she's faced with their emotional struggles and building their routines. She shared a poignant conversation she had with the six-year-old in her care about loss and emotion.
She said: “She misses her mommy, and I shared with her how I sometimes feel sad too because I lost my mom. I told her it’s okay to feel sad, and when I feel that way, I sit quietly. She asked for a hug after that. It was a breakthrough moment.”
Caroline’s fostering advice
Caroline has dedicated her life to caring for vulnerable children. Her passion and experience have made a real difference to the children in her care. During our conversation, she provided some advice for those considering fostering.
She said: “Go for it, and have a go. It isn’t an easy journey, but it is very rewarding for you as a foster carer and for these children who need patience, love and empathy. It’s just about being there for them and using their history to understand where they’re coming from.”
Start your fostering journey here
Download our brochure and discover everything you need to know about fostering with Orange Grove.
Why do we need more foster parents?
The latest government statistics revealed that by the end of 2023, over 100,000 children were living in care, with that number set to increase by 38,000 each year. We urgently need more foster parents who can provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes so these children can have the happy childhood and brighter future they deserve.
If, like Caroline, you’d like to join an independent fostering agency that provides reliable support for your whole family and foster care training tailored to your needs, we’d love to hear from you.
