Young Man Aged 15:

“I was placed with one of the modus carers and the carer and her family welcomed me well and treated me like one of their own; like I was one of them. At my placement I could always speak to someone if I needed help and advice. I have been temporarily excluded from school and the staff from modus helped me out with my behaviour and how to cope inside of school. The staff at modus listen to me, helped me out and understood my problems. I feel much better, relaxed and safer with my foster carer and I feel like they have put me on the road to success. I do not know what I would do without them.”

modus Foster Carers:

“My husband and I are foster carers for modus, I have nothing but praise for the people who work for modus.

We filled in the application form to become foster carers and within one week we were visited. The warmth and easiness of the people who visited us, confirmed that this was the right agency to be with.

A couple of weeks later an assessment began; three months of training and assessment and we were ready for panel. The very next day 'modus' contacted us with a referral, and our placement for two children commenced.

The support we have received and continue to receive is greatly appreciated. Someone is always to hand, even just for a chat or for reassurance.

modus really care for not only the children but for us.”

modus Foster Carers:

“The assessment process for foster carers usually takes between four and six months depending upon the agency. However, our assessment took just under three months because of the level of commitment from ourselves and the organisation. The training courses that are available during the assessment are challenging and provide you with the confidence and experience that you need to become a foster carer.

The placement that we have was made very shortly after we had been approved at Panel. The agency matched the placement with our family which enabled us to bond straight away.

The support from the agency is excellent and includes supervision sessions, practical support and challenging training courses which help equip you with the knowledge that you require. There is support available on a 24hr basis and even when things are going well, modus maintain contact so that you know help is at hand.”

Q. How has fostering affected your family?

“To the extent that our son and daughter in law have become foster carers. The rest of our family have made our foster children feel welcome within the family circle. We are keeping one of our foster children living with us after he is eighteen because he is happy and the family love him.”

“It hasn’t; we just have another (new) member of our family.”

Q. What have you learnt from placements over the last twelve months?

“We have both learnt patience to a higher degree and have found that using all the services akin to Foster Care is essential for help in different circumstances. Also, that most of the children we have looked after have faced rejection. They are all needy and crave love and affection but all children have different needs.”

“That it’s not easy, can be frustrating but very rewarding”

“I have learnt to listen to the young people that I have cared for and help them deal with their emotions and feelings.”

“We had never given any thought to working with children with learning disabilities until we had G placed with us. We enjoyed it so much and we now feel that we will continue working with this group of children.”

“We have learnt how to deal with difficulties and it has been quite challenging at times. We have also learnt to be understanding towards children’s parents. We have gained a realisation of how much love and support children need and how well they can develop with it. It has been very challenging but greatly enjoyable.”