We made our first steps a year ago.
Hi, we are the Conlon family from Co. Laois and we got our first placement in October last year. We first spoke about becoming a foster family a few years ago but life got in the way and when the subject of fostering came up again at the start of last year we decided that the time was right and it was now or never. We got in touch with Jessica Mooney from FFI and began the process in February 2023.
The assessment process was very thorough and took about eight months from the time we contacted Jessica until our committee approval meeting. The only delay we had was on account of the fact we had both previously lived abroad and had to wait for our background checks to come back. Other than that everything went very smoothly and FFI walked us through the process and were on-hand if we needed any questions answered.
When we received our approval from the committee in Tusla we were absolutely ecstatic. They were extremely welcoming in the committee and although we were very nervous they put us at ease and were even quite complimentary. We were prepared to have to wait a few days for approval but luckily enough we were approved then and there. We were over the moon to say the least, and were really looking forward to our first placement.
When we received news of our first placement we were nervous but really excited at the same time. When our foster daughter arrived to us she was only nine months old. We were absolutely delighted to welcome her into our home and to give her all the love and support that she deserves. Our home has become a really lively, busy, happy place with lots of new fresh memories. She keeps us on our toes with lots of laughter along the way.
We have a teenage daughter with whom we discussed fostering from the very beginning as it was important that she was on-board from the start. Things were strange for her at the beginning as she adapted to not being the only child in the house but she very quickly came to love her new foster sister and having her as part of our family.
Fostering has given us a real sense of fulfilment and happiness. Knowing that we have helped out a child who really needed someone to love and care for, has given more to us than we could ever have imagined. Seeing her pass all her milestones and take her first steps are such fantastic memories we would have missed out on if we hadn’t decided to become foster carers.
Becoming a foster carer does come with its challenges. Your life will be a lot busier and your foster child will have appointments and possibly family access visits to attend but as with your birth children the challenges you face will become a labour of love. Anytime you feel overwhelmed or just have a question that needs to be answered, FFI are just a phone call away and will guide you through any worry or concern you may have.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer, we would whole-heartedly advise you to do it. It is one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family and an extremely rewarding experience. Although it comes with its ups and downs, the rewards vastly outweigh the challenges.
If you would like to take your first steps in becoming an FFI Foster Carer, why not contact us today to start your fostering journey.
