Rohima

Rohima’s story: fostering with heart and purpose

Rohima has worked in Local Government for over 20 years and has been fostering for more than 14 years. Her professional experience enables her to advocate for children and navigate complex systems, but it’s the personal connections that make fostering so meaningful for her.

“I first considered fostering while working on the council’s adoption panel, where I saw how urgently more carers were needed. I initially contacted the local authority to adopt, but during the home visit, they encouraged me to try fostering instead—and I’ve been doing it ever since.

“I’ve been fostering for over 14 years now, and I love every part of it. I’ve cared for 36 children and watched them grow, heal, and thrive. That gives me a proud and satisfying feeling.

“Sometimes we get children with very challenging backgrounds, and we need to help them heal. My professional experience helps me understand how to work with schools, social workers, health teams, and be a voice for the child. My life and work experience help me make positive changes.

“Fostering is an amazing experience. You welcome children from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures into your home. A stranger walks in and thinks, ‘This is going to be my home.’ That moment of welcome is so powerful. I always ask my young people what they like about our home, and they often say, ‘How you welcomed us.’ That makes me feel so grateful.

“We do lots of activities together. One of my foster children, who was autistic, brought home seeds and said, ‘Auntie, I’ve got something for you… a surprise!’ We planted them together, and the garden is still growing today. He’s moved back to his mum now, but that connection stays with me.

“I also fostered two Albanian boys who didn’t speak English when they arrived. We used Google Translate at first. Now, one is studying to become an electrician and the other a plumber. One is getting married soon and introduced me to his fiancée, saying, ‘Auntie, what do you think?’ That’s the kind of bond we share and I’m so proud of them.

“I know fostering takes time and effort, but there’s a lot of support. The fostering teams and your supervising social worker are there Monday to Friday, with an emergency hotline after hours. We get training on topics like eating disorders, education, and behaviour. These tools help us manage challenges and give stability to the children. You also get financial support, and your work is recognised with awards.

“Foster carers support each other too. That’s how many of us continue for 14, 15, even 30 years. If you’re thinking about fostering, please do. Your life experience helps you support young people and give them a warm, loving home. If I can do it, I truly believe you can too.”