Lorraine’s Transfer Story – ‘I feel like I’ve got my confidence back’

Lorraine has been a foster parent for over 11 years. In that time, she has cared for 6 young people, mostly those with mental health needs and a young man who had been in the criminal justice system.
But even with all her experience, she began to feel uncertain about her future in fostering during her experience with her local authority, thinking there must be more that could be done to support such vulnerable children.

“I wanted to find a provider more in tune with me and one that had the resources to meet the needs of the child”

She recalled reaching out for support but being met with silence.

“I was calling for help, and nobody was answering. You shouldn’t have to beg for support. It got to a point where I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

Lorraine felt that the deeper, emotional needs of the children she was caring for were being overlooked, which didn’t sit right with her.

Finding a therapeutic home

After a warm, open conversation with someone from the Flourish team, she decided to explore transferring, and she could tell right away that Flourish was a bit different than what she was used to.

“It felt like I was being listened to right from the start. It was just so refreshing that somebody actually wanted to have a proper conversation with me and wasn’t on the defensive.”

She learned that Flourish was a therapeutic fostering service, and that made all the difference. Flourish’s whole approach is centred around understanding the behaviours and needs of young people, rather than trying to manage or contain them.

“I feel like I’m with people that actually know what fostering is and they’ve got the same ethos as me.”

For Lorraine, the process of transferring to Flourish was clear and supportive. She didn’t feel judged or rushed.

“The Form F process was really easy and really inclusive. The social worker was open and honest and I could be open and honest too.”

Most importantly, she felt safe to be herself.

“From the get-go, I felt supported. I didn’t feel like a number anymore, I felt like a person.”

Support that makes a difference

Since transferring, Lorraine has seen a real shift in her confidence and in her day-to-day fostering experience. She describes the Flourish team as “a proper team” – one that understands trauma and is always there when needed.

“They just get it. You don’t have to explain everything; some things don’t even need words.”

At Flourish, every foster parent has access to therapeutic support and ongoing reflective practice. For Lorraine, this has created a completely different kind of environment.

“I don’t need to worry. I know if I need something, I can call and someone will be there. That’s how it should be.”

She feels fully aligned with Flourish’s therapeutic values and supported in a way that feels meaningful and consistent.

“I feel like I’ve got my confidence back.”

For anyone considering a transfer

Lorraine wants other foster parents to know that if they’re not feeling supported, they don’t have to stay in that situation.

“I think if you’re questioning the level of support you’re getting, then something’s not right. You should feel part of something, you shouldn’t feel like you’re battling on your own.”

Looking back, she’s confident that transferring to Flourish was the right decision.

“It was a big decision, but it’s the best thing I’ve done. I’m settled now, I’m not looking over my shoulder, and I know I’m in the right place.”

If you’re interested in hearing more about transferring to Flourish or you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, please contact us.