Over 15 years of supporting families and changing lives.

Julie has been a vital part of our adoption and fostering panel since 2009, in fact, she’s our longest serving member today!

Her journey with Caritas Care started unexpectedly while she was working as a Health Visitor. She was supporting a family who’d adopted three children with Caritas Care. She realised that she truly missed being involved with children when she retired, so when a friend suggested volunteering for the panel, she jumped at the chance.

That was 17 years ago and she hasn’t looked back since!

“It really opened my eyes to the incredible work the panel does,” Julie says.

Before joining Caritas Care, she’d only seen adoption after the children were already placed in their new homes, but now she sees the immense care and thought that goes into every single decision.

What’s kept her so involved for all these year? It’s simple, she just loves people in all their variety.

Julie is constantly inspired by the applicant’s resilience and their honest motivation to give children a safe and loving home, often overcoming their own challenges.

Over the years, Julie has seen some wonderful, positive changes.

Caritas Care are proud to be an inclusive charity and our panels now welcome a much wider range of applicants, whether you’re single, from a diverse ethnic background, or part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“It completely dispels the myth that a child needs a ‘certain type’ of family,” she explains. “It’s about what you have to offer that matters.”

Julie knows that a thorough assessment is essential for everyone’s future. She often says, “It takes nine months to have a baby, so it should take time to really understand someone’s suitability.”

Julie added, “We’re supporting vulnerable children who’ve already had a hard start in life and we’re here to ensure their wellbeing is always at the heart of our service.

After every panel, Julie says she leaves feeling hopeful. She says, “I come away feeling really positive, celebrating the joy of a new family being approved and the pleasure of working so well together as a team.

Being part of the Caritas Care family is deeply meaningful for Julie. She is proud of how we walk beside our families, offering that special ongoing support that makes a lasting difference.

She respects the work that goes into assessing and supporting adopters and foster carers and encourages you to get in touch for a chat if you’re thinking about joining us. Whether you’d like to volunteer as a panel member, become a foster carer, or start your adoption journey.