Foster Care Spotlight: Alan & Angie Carpenter
How long have you been foster carers?
Alan and I started the foster care process in April 2023 and passed our panel in late July and started our first parent and child placement in mid-August 2023.
Why did you want to be a foster carer?
We went down the adoption process when we thought we couldn’t have more children after our daughter was born in 1994. We went through the process but then I fell pregnant naturally, so we stopped. We always felt we had unfinished business, as both of us were so excited to give a child a home as we love children, and family life is so important to us. Our children have all grown up now, so when PCC came to our Church early last year, we both knew we wanted to try fostering.
How have you found being foster carers?
Both of us have found it challenging at times and yet one of the most rewarding things we have ever done! We initially thought we would foster children but then PCC suggested a parent and child placement… we haven’t looked back since then and it feels so right!
How has your family found being a fostering family?
Our family is incredibly supportive, although initially they had concerns about us taking on too much. I think over time and with the great support from PCC, they can see they had nothing to worry about.
Have there being any unexpected challenges/pleasant surprises?
I think the greatest challenge for us has been learning the extent of our role as foster carers. We offer a safe, nurturing family environment to support and offer advice to a parent and log theirs (and babies) progress so that social services and the court can make informed decisions. It seems so obvious, but initially we found it all too easy to find ourselves worrying about the decisions we didn’t have control over! The pleasant surprise was the strong bonds formed during our first placement (which was for 10 months). It is such a joy and privilege to keep in contact with our parent and baby who have moved to independent living, as they chose to live locally to us.
Would you recommend fostering if so why?
When we say we are foster carers, others tell us it’s a wonderful thing we are doing but they couldn’t do it. We say we are just a down to earth (slightly dysfunctional family at times, like most are) that has a spare room and the heart to love and help children and families in need; and there is SO much need. So yes, we would have no hesitation in recommending fostering, because it is so worthwhile and we feel like we are making a tangible positive difference, one family at a time.