16 May 2012
Caerphilly County Borough Council is encouraging people across the county borough to become foster parents, as Foster Care Fortnight gets underway.
Across the borough, families welcome children into their families through fostering, and Craig and Ruth are just two of those remarkable people.
Craig and Ruth's story began in March 2007 when their world was turned upside down after Craig was diagnosed with testicular cancer.The couple were already involved in fostering part time, and during this difficult time they were supported by the fostering team at Caerphilly County Borough Council throughout Craig's operation and treatment.
Ruth said, "We were already respite foster carers with Caerphilly County Borough Council and they supported us through a time when it was hard to see any positives about our situation."
She continued, "Our journey really began when our family placement worker visited us one day and we talked to her about being grateful for the life we had, that we were going to reevaluate our lives to make the most of every opportunity that came our way. We shared that we felt the stress of Craig's job in retail was never worth the salary and that things would need to change to achieve a balance between work and family life. She asked casually if we had considered fostering on a full time basis. We just laughed and said that we financially would never cope and that we wouldn't feel comfortable accepting money to look after a child. She explained the fee structure and told us to consider the prospect."
"From that day on we have never looked back. We are approved to care for one teenager and one baby. There have been ups and downs, pleasures and challenges but it is still by far the best job in the world."
"Each day you learn something new. No two days are ever the same. But what gives us the most sense of achievement is being able to make a difference to a child's life."
"Craig is now much better and has been given the all clear and five years on, three children later, we can see nothing but positives about Craig's diagnosis and are proud to be foster carers for Caerphilly."
For more information on becoming a foster carer, please contact the team on 0800 328 4432 or visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/fostering
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