Leaving Care: Erin's Story

Family bonds

When the week’s lectures are finished, Erin spends her weekends back home with her foster family, where she is staying post-18 as part of a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement. Reflecting on her time with her family, Erin said:

“I've always been a part of the family, since the very beginning. Mum has biological sons and had always wanted a girl, so I was kind of like her little wish. The day I moved in, mum had got me a little pink cake covered in butterflies that said, ‘Welcome to the Family’ on it. I've still got the picture of me holding it. I started calling her my mum unprompted very soon after I first moved in. To me, mum has always been my mum, and I'll always be her child. When I went off to university, it wasn't like a foster parent dropping their foster child off. Mum very much didn't want to let me go. She’s always supported me through everything and is proud of what I’m achieving.” 

Navigating university

We asked Erin what it’s been like attending university as a care experienced young person. She said:

“Honestly, I think the stigma around being care experienced is stupid. I’ve managed to go to university, and there’s no reason why kids who have spent time in care shouldn’t be able to thrive and be successful. When I make new friends and the topic of families comes up, people always do a double take when they find out I was in foster care. I always find that reaction funny.

I think people have false expectations about what people who grow up in care are like. Growing up with a foster family is a lot more common than people think. The truth is, you wouldn't pick someone out of a group and say, ‘oh yeah, they were fostered!’ you just wouldn't be able to tell.”
   

A bright future ahead

Erin is thriving in her new life as a university student and continues to succeed with the support of her family. She said:

“My foster family are my family, and the ‘Staying Put’ arrangement has given me the best of both worlds. Foster parents do amazing work in giving children a stable family environment and a safe and loving home. The team at Fosterplus have been a great support to our family. Even though the social workers and staff are there for the foster parents, they're also very much part of your life as a child and make sure that you’re supported, too.

After finishing my undergraduate course, I'm hoping to go on to study for my Master’s degree. With my family’s continued support, I’m hoping to achieve great things.”