VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Our goal is always that they get to go back home’ – perspectives from a foster parent
Our goal is always that they get to go back home’ – perspectives from a foster parent
Our goal is always that they get to go back home’ – perspectives from a foster parent
Friday 28th June 2024
Ashley Kendrick shares her heartfelt experiences as a foster parent, emphasising the importance of supporting both children and their biological parents.
33 minutes
Inspiring
Compassionate
Honest
Supportive
Engaging
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Get the buttons here!The Heartfelt Journey of a Foster Parent: Ashley Kendrick's Story
Episode Overview
- Fostering aims to reunite children with their biological parents.
- Building trust with biological parents is crucial.
- Cultural activities help Indigenous children feel at home.
- Supporting foster families can make a significant difference.
- Adoption can sometimes become part of the fostering journey.
You're not trying to replace [parents]. You’re not trying to step in and steal their kids. You want their kids to go home.
Ever wondered what it's like to be a foster parent? In this episode of People First Radio, Ashley Kendrick, a Campbell River resident, opens up about her experiences in the foster care system. Ashley shares how she and her husband, Daniel, decided to become foster parents shortly after moving to Vancouver Island from Ontario.
With a background as a child and youth counsellor at an Indigenous organisation, Ashley saw firsthand the challenges faced by children in care and their biological parents. This inspired her to create a safe and supportive environment not just for the kids but for their parents too. Ashley candidly discusses the ups and downs of fostering, from the initial decision to use their spare bedroom for foster care to navigating the emotional complexities that come with it.
She emphasises that the ultimate goal is always to reunite children with their biological parents, fostering relationships rather than replacing them. Through her heartfelt anecdotes, Ashley reveals the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication with the children's parents, ensuring they feel valued and supported. One of the most touching moments is when Ashley recounts the story of a young boy who expressed his sadness about not being able to live with his parents again.
This moment pulled on Ashley's heartstrings and led her and Daniel to consider adoption, even though it wasn't initially part of their plan. Ashley's story highlights the emotional rollercoaster that comes with fostering but also the profound impact it can have on both the children and the foster parents.
Ashley also touches on broader issues within the foster care system, such as the high percentage of Indigenous children in care and the importance of cultural activities in helping these children feel at home. She encourages those who might not be able to foster themselves to support foster families in other ways, such as becoming an honorary auntie or uncle. If you're curious about the realities of foster care and the incredible dedication it takes, this episode is a must-listen.
Ashley's journey offers a compassionate and honest look into the world of fostering, making you reflect on the true meaning of family and support.