How I Got Here: Louise Day

I knew my calling

I arrived at parenthood at a fairly young age and I've always strived to be the best person I can in order to create a path for my daughter to thrive.

When I met my husband seven years ago, I was a florist, however I always knew my calling was to work within the children's services sector. Unfortunately, due to endometriosis I had to have a full hysterectomy at the age of 27. Forever blessed with my own birth daughter and two stepchildren we felt we had the space, time and more love to share with children that needed us. We picked up the phone and called our local authority and that's how we became foster carers within Oxfordshire.

Months of training

With support from family and friends I quit my full-time job to concentrate on the months of training involved to learn all I could to home and love children that needed us for either a short time or a long time.

Through no fault of their own these children have experienced trauma in moving homes and creating new attachments with a new family to make us part of their lives.

Within seven months we went to panel where the decision was made that we would make wonderful foster carers for children younger than my daughters. Shortly after, we received our first call for the placement of a baby boy who was both partially sighted, non verbal and struggled with daily challenges.

Huge lifestyle change

What an adventure and new dynamic, not only were we “working” for Oxfordshire County Council as foster carers but we made a huge lifestyle change. We were learning on the job but the rewards far outweighed any worries we had.

It didn't take us long to feel hugely in love with our new-found role. Watching these wonderful children grow and learn gives you a feeling like no other. I call them my “heart children” because although I didn't give birth to them I love them just as much.

We were recognised for our fight for this little boy who has now been adopted into an incredible home. He's talking, has the coolest little pair of glasses and we see them often. We were awarded “Foster Carer of the Year 2020” – an honour that made our heads wobble at an emotional awards evening.

Support and dedication

Children deserve the support and dedication foster carers give to heal wounds, traumas but most of all to be shown what a family is; a role model, a gentle voice when they need it, a cuddle of reassurance and a bedtime story; adventures and holidays to enlighten them in seeing the world in a fresh new light.

We have had five incredible children through our home in a little over two years and not only do we have many more birthdays to celebrate but we can share their new beginnings and watch them flourish in their new futures knowing we helped support them on their path.

TOP THREE CAREER TIPS

1. Surround yourself with warmth, openness and honesty
   
   

2. Be consistent and passionate
   
   

3. LOVE your journey, aim high and give back to the children that need us