Diana is a 55-year-old single foster mum from Milton Keynes, who is just about to enter her sixth year of fostering.
Diana has always been passionate about caring for children, and her passion really shines through.
Overcoming obstacles
“To me, it’s the most natural thing in the world to bond with kids. I’ve always loved being around children, having cared for both my own children and my stepchildren when they were young. I’ve always had an interest in either fostering or adopting one day. After getting diagnosed with cancer, I thought that my dream would have to be put on hold for a long time.”
After receiving treatment for her condition and making a fantastic recovery, Diana was keen to pursue her dream of helping children in need of a loving home.
“When I was well again, I reached out to Orange Grove to ask if I could foster. I was unsure if I was the right candidate, having recently been through an illness and looking to foster as a single applicant. I couldn’t have been more wrong - the team were so welcoming, and said I was absolutely eligible. My only regret is that I didn't look into applying sooner, because I thought that I needed to be at least five years all-clear before I could foster - in fact, I only needed to have been free from cancer for one year.”
Life together as a family
“Once the team at Orange Grove told me that I was eligible, I jumped straight into fostering,” Diana said. “The assessment process was a little nerve wracking at first, because your assessing social worker will be asking questions about your whole life from as far back as you can remember. They'll speak to everybody who’s been important in your life, from your loved ones to your old bosses to your ex-partners. I was supported all the way.”
“I actually cried with happiness when I was approved to foster at my panel meeting, because it was such an incredible moment. It was an amazing feeling to know that I was ready, and that I was at the start of such an important journey.”
Diana was approved as a foster parent in 2019. She now fosters four children, as well as offering respite care to other foster parents.
“My home life used to be really quiet, just me and my pets. Now we’re a bustling, busy household, and it’s just amazing. My relationship with the kids has grown so much over the years. I think a lot of people have misconceptions about caring for a foster child, but they’re just, kids, you know, and that's how you love and raise them, as your own. The love you have for them is there from the moment they first step through your front door, and the more you get to know them, the deeper that connection grows. My two eldest have been with me for over five years now. They call me Mum, and we have a really deep bond. That's the goal, really, just to give them a slice of normal family life.”
Learning and growing together
“One of the most amazing things is seeing how your foster children grow when they’re given the time and the space to settle in and just be themselves. My children have gained so much confidence since they first arrived, you'd really have to see it to believe the difference. You have to be there for them through anything so that they realize that no matter what, you’ll be by their side. That's what it's all about, really, supporting them to grow up as a kid should, whether it’s enjoying family holidays or smashing their GCSE’s. It’s been such a privilege to watch them become who they’re meant to be.”
“That’s been especially true for my 17-year-old foster son, who is transgender. From experimenting with different clothes, hairstyles and labels to now understanding fully who he is, it’s a journey of discovery which we’ve very much been on together. I’ll admit, I still can't get my head round absolutely everything. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions at times, with a lot of conversations, tears, questions and the occasional misunderstandings. Sometimes I make mistakes, but we have great communication with each other, and he knows that I’m always on his side. He will talk to me about anything and everything. He knows who he is now, and he thrives now that he is allowed to be who he needs to be.”
Support for single foster parents
Diana knows that as a single foster mum, it’s important to lean on the support of her fostering community. Here at Orange Grove almost 30% of our foster parents are single, so we offer lots of support tailored to our single foster parents.
“I get tons of support from the team,” Diana said. “I have a great relationship with my supervising social worker, who is absolutely lovely. I love getting involved with the Orange Grove community by taking part in training sessions. We also have lots of fun events, like coffee mornings and Christmas dinners, which are a great opportunity to touch base with everyone.”
“What I’ve learned is that you can absolutely foster as a single person, and you can absolutely foster if you have experience of living with a health condition. I won’t say that fostering is always easy, because it’s not. You never know what challenges you’ll face, or how you’re going to be pushed.
But what I will say to anyone interested in fostering is that it's an amazing feeling to see your kids achieve, whether it’s the little steps they take towards building their confidence or the big life-changing moments. You give so much, and you get so much in return.”
If you’re inspired by Diana's story, and would like more information on becoming a foster parent with Orange Grove, please get in touch.
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