Sam, Hazel, and Chey’s fostering journey

“Chey was the first child we welcomed into our family in 2002 as a tiny newborn, when my twins were five. He lived with us for 2 and a half years and my children still consider him a brother. Chey is family and we love him dearly… I collected him from the hospital and cried, it was such a privilege to have this beautiful baby. Our family loved him … our community loved him. Chey and his mum live in Canada now, but I speak to his Mum all the time! Chey works as a football coach and has his own business making rugs. He is amazing and watching him continue to grow has been such a gift and benefits us all.”

“I don’t remember living with Auntie Sam when I was young, but I do know she loves me very much and although we don’t see each other that often, our relationship only gets stronger. Every time we visit, we’re greeted with warm welcomes which I always enjoy. Even though Auntie Sam and I aren’t blood-related, I consider her a huge part of my life and wouldn’t trade it for anything!”

“Sam and her family are ‘our’ family. Even before Chey was placed with us she helped prepare both us and Chey for the changes we might expect. We will never be able to thank her enough for all the initial care she provided for Chey and the ongoing support we have received as a family. She has acted as liaison when the children wanted to visit with their birth family and provided both Chey and us with a safe place to ask questions about his birth family. This has meant that we all have the best information available. She continues to champion Chey’s achievements and provide support for the whole family in the more challenging situations. I am absolutely positive that her unwavering support has ensured the best outcome for our whole family. She continues in the role of sister (to me) and second mum (to Chey and his sister). Our lives would not be the same without her.”