Marisol Carreno
Marisol Carreno has been fostering since September 2020 with her wife. They say they became foster carers as they always knew they wanted to have children around the house.
A key moment was when we were watching a movie called Instant Family, which was all about fostering. It was really heartwarming and we were both in tears at the end of it. We looked at each other and thought we’d try and see if we could foster, so we started doing research — it just blossomed from there, I suppose.
In the approval process, you do have to divulge a lot of information, but people entrusting you with children need to understand deep down who you are as a person. The people interviewing us were really good at what they do, and we felt comfortable. I actually found it really cathartic, and my wife and I learnt a lot about each other.
We have a child placed with us permanently — he’s been with us since he was 12 and is now 16. He has complex needs, and my wife works in an Additional Support Needs school so she has been super helpful.
When he first came to us he was really timid and withdrawn, and we’ve tried to bring out a magical, childlike sense of things for him, and he’s grown so much. It’s been really rewarding welcoming him to our home. I don’t think we’ve introduced him to anyone who hasn’t said they have a soft spot in their heart for him.
It can obviously be challenging but there’s a lot of support, as I don’t think you couldn’t foster if you didn’t have a good support network. The social workers are very helpful, for example, I feel I can have open and honest conversations with them.
Fostering isn’t always easy and there are frustrating times, so it’s great to be able to discuss that with people who know what we’re going through.
So many different kinds of people are eligible to foster. My wife and I don’t fit the conventional mold — we’re a lesbian couple, I have a disability, and we have a multitude of animals in our home. But if you have room in your heart and your home to be able to foster that’s a great foundation and if you’re thinking about it, why not look into it?
A standout moment for us was when we took our foster child on holiday. It was amazing seeing it through his eyes. It was such a special moment. I’d say that overall he’s helped us more than we’ve helped him.