the story of

jo

jo

We have a varied community of foster carers, including single foster carers like Jo in Bridgend. 

the foster family

Jo’s decision to foster was made based on a number of factors, but something that really influenced her was having a best friend in foster care when she was younger.

“She would always come around to our house, but one day, I went around to hers to see if she wanted to play and her foster parents said she had left. I never saw her again. It really affected me.”

For Jo, joining the local Foster Wales Bridgend team meant helping children stay in the places they know and love, close to important friends and family members.

“It’s so supportive. It really is all about community, giving something back and becoming part of a wide and supportive community of foster carers.”

“there’s no such thing as ‘typical fostering’”

When she started fostering, Jo cared for babies and younger children. Now, she’s opened her home to all kinds of children and really appreciates how diverse the fostering experience is.

“I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as ‘typical fostering’. There are so many children in different situations with different needs. I’ve fostered siblings, teenagers, children with complex needs and babies.”

“they’re constantly surprising me”

Jo currently cares for 17-year-old Jenny, who lived with her nan until she sadly passed away.

“It was a very traumatic time for Jen. She has been through a lot and it hasn’t always been easy while she has grieved. We now have a lovely bond and she knows she can open up to me.”

Jenny dreams of becoming a doctor, so Jo is helping her get there with her support and encouragement. 

“She’s studying to get into college and is learning to drive, and I’m actually enjoying helping her with her revision, and taking her out for extra driving practice.”

Jo also cares for a brothers Alex and Ben, who have been in foster care since the age of two and four.

“Everything that we take for granted like bedtime, bath time, even tea time was a struggle at first. But they are different boy’s now, so full of fun and energy. They love their swimming lessons and football club.  They are constantly surprising me and doing new things every day.”

want to start your own fostering journey?

If reading Jo’s story has inspired you to start your journey towards becoming a foster carer, then we’re excited to hear from you. Find your Local Authority today and take the first step.

want to learn more?

Find out more about fostering and all the ways it might reward you.

Our fostering success stories are based on the real-life experiences of Local Authority Foster Carers in Wales. To protect their privacy, and the privacy of the children and young people to whom they provide care, love, and support, all the names have been changed and actors have stepped in to help us tell their amazing stories.

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