Lockdown brings additional challenges to Falkirk district foster families

Lockdown life is difficult for everyone – but for foster children and their families there is an extra challenge.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought disruption and anxiety – the very things that Falkirk Council’s foster parents are trying to prevent when they take children into their homes.

So, the last thing any of them needed was the extra stress of schools closing and all the worry of staying safe on top of all the other issues they are dealing with.

And yet, foster carer Deirdre Campbell says that, despite the challenges, the lockdown period has also brought moments of fun and closeness for her and her two foster children.

Like any other parent, she will admit there have been days when the school work was too much of a challenge, when tempers frayed and when screentime was a welcome distraction for everyone.

“It’s been very challenging because there have been all these sudden changes for children who need routine and a lot of structure so it’s been difficult to balance everything out while you’re also worrying about employment and health,” she said.

“They’re worrying, you’re worrying – but we’ve spoken to them about it and told them if we all do what’s best for each other we will get through it.”

They have tried to keep on top of school work but they have also been having fun – playing games, gardening, painting, cooking and baking and going for walks together.

“Having them around all day also means I feel like I’m getting to know them even more,” said Deirdre. “That means you’re getting to know more about the struggles they are facing and I think that’s been a positive.”

Deirdre loves being a foster mum – a job she has done for six years now.

But she quickly realised that there was more to it all than she had ever realised.

She said: “It’s totally different to just bringing your own child up. The children can come with a lot of issues that you need to work through and iron out.

“They have had very difficult experiences and that can affect their development, so you have to think about every step.”

She has a warm heart and a caring nature but Deirdre feels the key to giving young people the support they 
need is the training she’s received through Falkirk Council.

“It teaches you how the brain is wired for young children and shows you the things they have missed out on,” she explains. “And its ongoing – it’s not like you just go once and that’s it.”

And having put the theory into practice, Deirdre has seen its value.

So what qualities does a foster carer need?

“You just need to have love and understanding and a lot of patience,” she says.

“You also need to be a strong advocate for these children. They need to have someone who’s willing to stand up for them because that might not have been something they’ve grown up with.

“They think what’s happened to them is their fault and that makes them vulnerable. Their self-esteem is very low and you have to build it up.”

Falkirk Council wants local foster carers who can help children stay in their own communities and close to family and friends.

“It’s really important for them to have contact with their biological family and we’ve managed to keep that going through the lockdown – they need to know their family are okay,” said Deirdre.

She says the support she and the young people receive from Falkirk Council is fantastic.

“My young person, when he first came, was quite impulsive and now he’s able to go places on his own and into friend’s houses and the reports I get back are really positive.

“And you know they are coming out the tough times they experienced and it makes you so proud of them.

“It’s a long journey and there are setbacks but its great to be able to give the kids the support and nurture that they may have missed out on.

“It means they are able to move forward and take control of their own lives – and have a future the same as every other child out there.”

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