Chris and I have been foster carers with FCA Scotland for over 5 years and we currently have two siblings in placement. Both children have autism and we work around their needs. Like most families every day is different but we do like to keep to a set routine with structured days as we find it helps the kids with their development.

On an average day we’re up and organised to get the kids to school and Chris goes to work. For me, it depends what’s in my diary, it could be I’m at home doing my daily chores, getting shopping or planning/preparing what’s for dinner. On other days I could have a meeting or a training event to attend – on this particular day I had my review meeting in the afternoon with my supervising social worker.

The kids return around 4pm and we may then attend family contact after school which is important that we support the young person with this.

If we’re not going out we’ll have dinner, perhaps watch some TV or we play board games together as a family which we all really enjoy. Every Wednesday evening I attend a ceramics class and Chris looks after the kids.

We enjoy having time together as a family at weekends, whether it is going for long walks, out for lunch, taking the kids to the cinema or attending activities organised by FCA Scotland, we all enjoy our weekends. One of the kids is part of a group set up by FCA Scotland where they help to organise any events for young people that are being planned. This helps our young person develop different skills and she absolutely loves being part of the group, we’ve really seen her confidence grow.

Being a foster carer can be tough at times and like every family we have our ups and downs, but Chris and I have a great network of family and friends, who are really there for us. Being part of FCA Scotland and the support groups they offer is great. Within the carers group we’ve made some good friends we can share our experiences with, get advice or just have someone to chat to.

If I were to offer any advice to anyone considering becoming a foster carer I’d say, go for it! It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done – we only wish we’d done it sooner.