10 Questions – Young Person in Care.

This month we chat with Kelsey who has been living with FFI carers for the last five years. She tells us about her experience of the care system, whats most important to her and what she hopes for the future.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m 17 years old and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. I love to spend time with both family and friends. I like to listen to music and sometimes dance. I play sport and love going to school.

2. You’ve been living with your Foster Family for the last five years. What has that been like?

Really good, actually amazing. I am so lucky to have gotten a lovely family like these people. They make me feel like family and I really appreciate everything they have done for me because not everyone is as lucky as I am.

3. What was it like when you first arrived?

When I first arrived I was a little worried about making new friends but after a week I really loved it and knew this was going to be a good placement for me.

4. What were things like for you before you went to live with your current carers?

Not very good! The family did not have groundrules, enough for me to do what I wanted and did not care for me as much.

5. What are your thoughts on being in care?

Being in care is probably the best thing that happened to me as I would not have met such an amazing family and friends. I would not have participated in school or school/team sports and would never have gotten to go to so many beautiful places with lovely people.

6. If there is one thing you could change about being in care what would it be?

I wouldn’t really like to change anything because I really like the way it is right now and wouldn’t like to see anything change in the way I live right now.

7. What do you see yourself doing when you finish school, would you like to go to college?

After school I’d love to work with children with disabilities, maybe do an SNA course around locally or go to college.

8. Where would you like to be in 10 years time?

In 10 years time I’d love to see myself working with children with disabilities in a school, have my own house and build up a family of my own and to still be able to visit the friends and family I’ll never forget.

9. What would you say is the most important things in the world are to you?

Family and friends are the most important people to me as I really appreciate what everyone has done for me in this past five years. I truly love them so much and I’d love to have a big bright future with them all in my life growing up.

10. What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Foster Carer?

I’d like to tell people who are thinking of fostering that it’s a good experience for both the carers and the young child as you are both learning about each others lifestyles and understanding of both and could change children’s lives.