Charlotte and Megan are new to Orange Grove and began their fostering journey by providing respite care.
Since then, they’ve become short-term foster carers and have welcomed a young girl into their home. Here, they discuss their experience of becoming foster parents and the journey they've been on with the child in their care so far.
Charlotte and Megan’s fostering story
Charlotte and Megan always knew they wanted to become parents, and being unable to do this conventionally didn't prevent them from pursuing their dream of having a family. They wanted to provide a home for a child who needed their nurturing care and love, and they've achieved this by becoming foster parents and welcoming a young girl.
Megan explains, “For me, I wanted to look after a child who needed help.”
Charlotte continues, “And neither of us could biologically have children. When we phoned Orange Grove, we just liked the feel of them, and went for it.”
The application process
The fostering assessment process may initially seem daunting; however, at Orange Grove, we simplify the process and are by your side from the moment you enquire to the day you welcome your first child and beyond.
Charlotte describes her experience of the fostering process. She says, "So, the fostering application process was a year. We made the initial phone call and spoke to the team. They asked us questions like, how many bedrooms have you got? The next thing was someone coming out to our house.”
“After going through the whole process, we met with a panel of six people. They knew all about us because they had read all our paperwork, only asking us questions we'd been asked before. So, it was actually quite a breeze.”
Challenges and rewards
When the child in their care arrived, they had to overcome some challenges. They had many sleepless nights and knew it would take time for the young girl to settle in. But, through consistency, patience and understanding, they were able to help the little girl feel safe and secure in her new home.
Megan explains, “We had six weeks of sleepless nights, but we made sure that we were there for her and persevered in getting to know each other.”
Charlotte continues, “They were the hardest times we faced. You know, she wasn't going to bed until really late, she was then awake in the night, and I sat with her until she fell asleep. The first time she presented with that behaviour, I literally scooped her up and held her in my arms for three hours on the landing. I told her it was okay and that I was there. It's hard, but it's really worth it.”
Megan says, “It's rewarding. You just have to persevere and have lots of patience. I feel proud and happy that I am making a difference to a child who has been let down in the past.”
Special moments
Sometimes, the small moments are the most rewarding aspect of fostering because they remind you how far you've come and how much you've helped a child or young person have a happier childhood.
Charlotte recalls how an ordinary moment, became a special moment, “I think the nicest thing for me was, on Christmas Day, in the evening, I was putting her to bed, and she was like, ‘I don't want to go to bed’. And I was like, ‘Why not?’ And she said, ‘Because it's been the best day ever’. And that really gave me that sense of, she does belong here. And we, you know, we mean something to this little girl. And that was lovely."
Building trust
Many children in foster care may struggle to trust adults due to their past experiences. However, when you consistently show up for a child and demonstrate that you respect and value them, as Charlotte and Megan have, you can help them begin to rebuild that trust.
Charlotte says, "I hope that we can restore her trust in people. Our little one has been moved around so much that she just doesn't trust anybody. Trust is something we need, so I think if we can show her that people can be trusted, my job will be done.”
If Charlotte and Megan’s story resonates with you and you’d like to learn more about LGBTQIA+ fostering with Orange Grove, we’d love to hear from you.
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