A measured perspective of being in care
“When I first went into care, I wasn’t a stranger to care. I had been with Social Work as my brother was in and out of care. I felt like I was the adult in the household, so I knew what was going on. I got to meet some very good people including foster carers and friends. I still keep up with some respite carers. Their placement felt the most real for me. I felt understood by them. They took me on holiday which was great. Some carers I could sit down and talk to. Some I felt didn’t care.
“I felt there was too many rules. I wanted to do something, but I couldn’t. However, I can reflect on these rules and understand why they were there. I can see the good come out of it.
“ I was never settled and moved from 11 different placements. It was difficult being in a placement alongside another young person who has been therefore a while as I felt it was one rule for them and one rule for me. Out of all the carers I had I only felt claimed by a couple. I struggled with authority which made some placements hard.
“I feel that the council need to listen to young people more. Sometimes social workers don’t know us and think that they do. I felt it was hard having a part time social worker as stuff would always happen on their days off and I would get other workers. I felt better after that as I had a full time worker and this was consistent. My social worker was a comfort. My social worker knew I had abandonment issues and he was the only person who did not abandon me. I don’t like change, so having someone being there for me and being through all the placements with me who was consistent was good.
“If I had still been at home I don’t think I would be going anywhere in life. Care gave me boundaries and given me direction. Near the end of my time in care I felt had more responsibility which is helping me now.
“Residential has such a bad name but it’s not that bad. It was helpful as it felt like a big family at times. Sometimes I felt at home in a residential setting”.
