When I was 13, I was placed with foster carers who had many rules, which became unsuitable for me as I got older. These rules were suitable for younger children, but not as you got older, and I felt we had outgrown each other. I always had to hand my mobile phone in then when I was allowed it, I wasn’t allowed internet I had to put my phone outside my bedroom door when I went to bed even though I was 15 and had no access to Wi-Fi.
Caritas Care has rules, and I understood the need for this. However, I think that as children get older, rules should change to reflect the belief in a child and adjustments made to recognise your trust in them; because if as you get older you should be able to be trusted.
When you are a child in care, you rely on having good foster carers who understand you and what is important for you. For me, it was important to have regular contact with my brother; however, that didn’t happen most of the time. I wanted to tell them that this isn’t about you; it’s about me, and this is your job.
Contact for children is essential, and foster carers need to care about this as much as they care about making rules.
Note: Byron has currently and successfully completed his Level 3 Car mechanics course and is now looking for employment. Please get in touch if you could offer Byron the opportunity of an interview.
