I write this petition from a place of personal struggle and deep concern. Since 2021, we have been caring for a young person who has experienced significant childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect. They arrived at our home with few belongings and an Asda bag for life - a poignant symbol of their disrupted existence. We never intended to be carers but once we understood how much they needed us, we had no hesitation in making them a member of our family.

As we welcomed them into our lives, it became apparent that they were grappling with significant health issues - undiagnosed ADHD and possible autism among them. We have had to fight tooth and nail for the scant support we've received so far. Our home has undergone adaptations to accommodate their needs, all without any financial assistance.

Our foster child came to us with the clothes they stood up in and very little else. None of their shoes fitted apart from one pair which was falling apart. They were in such poor health through malnourishment that they needed medical treatment. 

We never have received and still don't get any support or financial assistance because we are regarded as a private fostering arrangement. This is classed as a situation where someone who is not a family member offers to help care for a child from that family for more than 28 days.

When we have asked for help, responses have been less than helpful. Earlier this year I was told by someone from our local authority that it was my choice to take our foster child in and I should just send them back home if I was struggling personally or financially. They were not safe at home and their childhood experiences have had a detrimental impact on their mental and physical  health. They had repeatedly been let down by statutory services. 

I have been reading this morning that a significant number of carers in similar situations are causing families to 'give back' children that they took into their family homes. The cost of living crisis means that most families can no longer afford to help these children. Additionally many families are unable to cope with the challenging behaviour and mental health issues that comes from years of being neglected and abused.

It is so unfair. Families like ours have saved local authorities the thousands of pounds that they would have otherwise had to spend on caring for these children. We did the right thing to help a child that needed protecting. And yet we have to fund everything for them - travel, private dental fees, clothing, food, time off work to attend professional meetings (we have to be assessed to make sure we are not a risk to the child), health appointments, education appointments - the cost goes on and on.  And when we ask for emotional support or advice, we get nothing. We have no access to training or support groups, and no-one helps us in accessing service to best meet the child's needs.

The last two years have been difficult. While I love our foster child and cannot imagine life without them, looking after them has taken a toll - on me personally, my business, and my family. I should not have had to do this on my own. I am not surprised that many can't because of the lack of professional support.

So, I am starting a campaign asking that this changes. Please sign this petition calling on local authorities across the country to change their policies regarding private fostering arrangements. It's time they recognised us as legitimate foster carers deserving of assessment and support – both financial and otherwise – so that we can continue providing safe homes for vulnerable children in need. And please ask everyone that you know to do the same. Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.