Little Bears in Foster Care

2) Little Bear Abbie

I used to live with my dad before he found it difficult to cope. He loved me a lot but struggled to keep things going. He went to Children’s Services for help, and I was voluntarily placed in care.

I was really scared. I didn’t know where I was going to go and really wanted to stay with my dad. But when I met my foster carer, she was really kind. She let me pick dinner and pick out some bedding for my new bed. I chose Frozen bedding!

I got to see my dad a lot. He would take me to the park and would say he was working really hard so that I could go home. Whenever we had to leave, I would get really sad, but my foster carer helped me. When I didn’t know how to say what I needed, she spoke up for me, loud and clear like a superhero. She would also make sure I got to speak to my dad when I couldn’t see him.

After a year, I got to move back home with my dad! We’re doing good now and I get to speak to my foster carer still. She helps my dad when he has questions and still sends me messages on my birthday. I’m glad she was there to help me and to help more Little Bears in Care.

3) Little Bear Eddie

My little family were very close. But as I grew older, my mum started to get unwell. Her mind got cloudy, and my sister and I tried our best to look after her, but Mum got sicker and had to stay in the hospital for a long time… We went into care.

Our foster carer opened her home and her heart to us. She had an older daughter, and it was a whole new world living with them. I was so used to looking after my mum, and being strong for her, that it was hard to let someone else take care of me. I kept looking to my sister, like she was the only one who could keep me safe.

My foster carer was so patient. She understood that I needed time to learn how to be a Little Bear again, to let go of the worries and just be a child. She gently showed me that it was okay to be looked after, that I didn't have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.

We went on camping trips, sleeping under a sky full of stars, and danced at noisy, colourful festivals. And the best part? I had my very first birthday party! All my friends were there, and there was cake and games and laughter. It was like a dream. I remembered how to smile, how to play and how to be a kid. Now I know there will be people there to catch me when things get tough and help me be a happy little bear.

4) Little Bear Amelia

My beginning was very difficult. My mum and her partner were unkind to me, and I was often scared. At school, people noticed I wasn't happy. I was showing my sadness in ways that worried them. Then, one day, the police came, and I was taken into care.

I went to stay with a lovely lady I now call Nan, and her kind husband. Their home was warm and welcoming. There were other Little Bears there too: an older foster bear, and another Little Bear with autism who needed extra help. We became a big, happy, blended family.

Nan took me to visit her own family, and I learnt how to knit soft, colourful scarves. We went on amazing adventures, travelling to different places around the world during the whole summer holiday! Nan also nurtured my love of reading. My bedroom is now filled with so many books, it's like my own little library.

Most importantly, Nan helped me get the support I needed. She took me to therapy every week, where I could talk about what happened. It wasn't easy, but Nan was always there, patient and understanding. She showed me that I was safe, loved, and that I could have a happy future.

Being with Nan has changed my life. I've learned that even after difficult times, you can find a loving home, build strong friendships, and heal. I'm no longer a scared Little Bear, but a happy, confident one, surrounded by love and support.

5) Little Bear Carlos

I am 12 years old. I have been in foster care for four years and I really love my foster carers, I’ve been lucky to be with them my whole time in foster care and it was recently decided for me to stay here permanently which has made me really happy! I used to live in a home where my parents hurt each other, and it was really scary. Now I live in a home of love, opportunity and kindness. I can find this hard to accept sometimes and fall back to being angry to protect myself, but my carers are patient and have advocated for me and now I have started therapy to help me explore my feelings. Since being in foster care, I have gone to a restaurant for the first time, been on holiday, I play chess and go swimming. I’ve discovered my love for the outdoors as well as reading.

6) Little Bear Mai

I am 9 years old. I was in foster care for three years before going back to live with my mum last year. I’ve moved around a lot and had 10 different foster families, some of them I didn’t like and some of them I loved, and they loved me but sadly they couldn’t look after me.

I was struggling to understand my emotions which got harder and harder the more I moved. This also meant I moved school a couple of times. My social worker was worried about me moving so many times and was in contact with my mum who had been working really hard to improve her mental health which is one of the reasons I came into care. After some time talking about what I wanted and lots of adult conversations, my family time with Mum increased and I moved back home. I love being back with Mum, I still struggle with expressing my feelings in a positive way, but I am learning and know my mum will never give up on me and she understands me. I still have my social worker to make sure things are going okay, to make sure my Mum is supported and that I see my brothers and sisters on a regular basis who are now with other family members.

7) Little Bear Melanie

Last Friday I woke up at 7am as this was the day I was moving to a new foster family. I got dressed and ate my breakfast at the table, which was the last time I would get to do this, and I was nervous about what was going to happen. I next went to my room and packed my things with the help of my social worker. We left the house, and I said my goodbyes.

My social worker drove me to my new foster family, and we stayed silent the whole way. When I saw my new family for the first time, I was still very nervous, and I was worried they would be strict. My new foster carers looked very happy to see me! This made me feel overjoyed when I saw their happy faces. I went to see my room and I was excited to have a room to myself – it had a bunk bed, and I loved it! I unpacked my things, and we made a shopping list of the things I would need. I got to choose dinner, and I chose McDonalds!! It was very scrumptious!! We had a movie night and watched Star Wars Episode VIII, and we had some classic movie snacks. When I went to bed, I thought to myself “this will be the best life ever!!!” and I was right the very next day.

8) Little Bear Lennon

I am 9 years old, and I have been in foster care for 11 months. I have been the happiest I have ever been in foster care. My foster carers have helped me with all my hobbies and interests.

I do gymnastics, which I love and swimming lessons too. I used to live in a home full of negativity and violence. Feeling safe now and in a positive home has helped me settle in school and feel confident about myself.

I don’t wake up angry anymore. My carers support me and are always kind and allow me to be me. I have moments where my emotions get big and come out, they have taught me that this is ok and everyone feels these emotions. They have given me a safe place to let these out and support me throughout. Since being in foster care, I have had loads of great days out and been on holiday too. I love walks along the beach and especially the ice creams from the ice cream van.

9) Little Bear Kimberly

I am 8 years old. I used to live with my mum and dad and had eight brothers and sisters. My parents weren’t around a lot, and we used to try and look after ourselves. The house was always loud, and I found it hard to get what I needed. I went to school one day and the teachers were worried about me because I hadn’t been able to wash and was really hungry. I was taken into care and so were my brothers and sisters.

We couldn’t live together and the home I went to was very quiet. I was scared at first because I didn’t know what was going on. My foster carers sat down with me and helped me understand why I couldn’t live with Mum and Dad anymore and took care of me in a way I hadn’t been before. They also helped me open up and share with them things I wanted to do and how I felt. Before, I was a bit too shy to attend group events, such as singing groups, even though I really loved to sing. Now, thanks to my foster carers, I sing in my local singing group! I even sung on my own once! It's amazing how much braver you can be when you know someone is there for you and believes in you. Now, I get to see some of my brothers and sisters regularly and I’m doing well at school.

10) Little Bear Sarah

I came into care when I was 13 years old, and at first, I was very lonely. It was difficult to be in a new home with new people. I moved around a lot to begin with which caused me a lot of sadness. There were times where I felt like I was not a good enough person to be loved. Eventually, I found a foster family that was right for me. They made me feel looked after, safe and loved! They gave me the confidence to prepare for independence as I got older and supported me to do things I hadn’t been able to do before.

I still speak with one of my foster carers now who supports me to this day. I also have contact with two of my social workers who give me great advice and support if I need it. As I grew older, I was able to redevelop my relationship with my birth family even though I haven’t been able to live with them again. We love each other a lot and we have healthier relationships now. I want to encourage all Little Bears in Care to know they can do it! Don’t be hard on yourself.

11) Little Bear Anissa

I am 8 years old and came into care when I was 4 years old. I miss my mummy and daddy but live with some lovely foster carers who I now call Nan and Grandad. They have made me feel like a part of their family and made me feel that I belong with them.

They have taken me on amazing trips, like Florida! We get to do a bunch of really fun things, like baking, dancing, singing and colouring. A few people come to see me, like my social worker and a lady who is helping me to talk about my feelings. It’s really hard sometimes to share how I am feeling which sometimes comes out in big bursts. Nan and Grandad help me a lot when I get angry or sad and they also help me talk about my feelings. I feel safe with them and know that they will always be there for me.

12) Little Bear Leeloo

I am 10 years old and have been with my foster carers for three years. I live with them as well as my brothers. I absolutely LOVE black dogs and although I don’t have one my foster carers talk to me a lot about it. I have autism and sometimes need extra time and help with things. My foster carers are really patient and help me when things get too loud and too much.

I get to see my parents a lot and I get to celebrate things I would have celebrated at home, like Eid. My foster carers do lots to make sure we feel like we belong, and I love living here! I’m glad that me and my brothers could live together. Since being with my foster carers, we have gone on our first holiday! We went to a restaurant, Monkey World, and we stayed in a little cottage! It was amazing. I can’t wait to go on more holidays.

13) Little Bear Aleksander

I am 8 years old, and my mummy has passed away. She was very unwell for a while, and I worried about her a lot. I was so sad and scared when I came into care, and I moved around a lot at first. I didn’t know what to do with my feelings and I didn’t want anyone to look after me, I just wanted my mummy. After a little while I moved in with my current foster carer. He is patient with me and helps me understand my feelings. We have made a little space for my mummy, so I get to remember her and talk to her when I am feeling sad.

My foster carer is fun and knows so much! We go out and do some awesome things together, like football, picnics in the park, camping, fishing and lots more!

He has also helped me get back into school. I don’t really like school, but now I find it much easier to do my work and I like it a bit better now. I really hope I get to stay with him for a long time!

14) Little Bear Harry

I am 15 years old, and I came into care in the last six months. I am LGBTQ+ and sadly my parents do not accept me. It has been difficult being in care, and I feel really disconnected from my parents and my friends. I do not tell people I am in foster care as I am worried about being bullied and how people will treat me differently.

The foster carer I live with is great. He’s thoughtful, helpful, and encourages me in the things I want to do. I also stay with a different foster carer once a month for some time out and this works well. My foster carer also looks after two other teenagers in care, and we all get on well. Sometimes we fight but we have become like one little misfit family, so we always manage to get it sorted. I care a lot about him and wouldn’t know what to do without his support.

I absolutely love school, and I really want to do well and follow my dreams to get into theatre! I hope that I can get support as I get older to go to university and get work experience that will support me in getting a career in something like this.

15) Little Bear Hanan

I came into care when I was 14. I came from Afghanistan, a country that has been full of war and violence. I was born to what was seen as a lower-class family, which caused me to be deprived of many things and not have access to the things I needed to live a healthy life. Since I sought asylum in the UK, I have been very happy because I live with a good family, have a great foster carer, and receive support from wonderful organisations that help me.

I am very happy and satisfied with this because, thanks to my foster carer and these wonderful organisations, I am getting closer to the goals for my life. I have been able to take part in activities that celebrate my heritage and help me to feel like I belong in my new home. I hope to continue receiving support to become the person I want to be.

16) Little Bear Baby

I am 17 years old, and I have been in foster care from the time I was 5 years old. I have now had my own baby, who lives with me and my foster carers in a ‘parent and child’ home.

It has been difficult being a new parent whilst also needing that support myself and sometimes I just want to be a teenager and go out with my friends. I have found it hard to connect with my baby, but my foster carers have been great at supporting me through this. We talk about my frustrations and worries, and they also help me celebrate the wins. I remember the first time I was able to bathe my baby on my own. My foster carers were so happy for me! I am glad I get to learn what I need to do with people who really care for both of us. They encourage me to look after my baby myself but provide advice and guidance to help me make the best decisions I can for him.

I hope that I will be able to get my own home for myself and my baby so that we can be our own little family. I want to make sure my baby gets the start in life I wish I could have had and stop the cycle from repeating.

17) Little Bear Terri

I am 11 years old, and I have been in care since I was 8 years old. A lot of people were really worried for my safety, so I went to stay with my auntie for a few weeks. My auntie was nice, feeding me some of my favourite meals and making sure I had my favourite toy with me. I was happy there, but she didn’t have enough space to keep me there for much longer, so I was moved into a big house with lots of children living there.

I was excited at first, but sometimes the other children needed extra support, and I felt quite lonely, even though there were loads of people to talk to. It was also very loud, and I missed my auntie because I had moved too far away for her to visit. My social worker talked with me about what I would like for my care, and I had said that I wanted to be in a family. The people looking after us at the home were kind but strict and there were a lot of them.

After a while my social worker told me they had found a family I could live with close to my auntie, I was so happy! I met with the foster carers who would be looking after me and they were lovely. They had two children already living with them and we got on really well – they even shared their toys! Because I moved back closer to my auntie, I get to see her more now and she takes me out to do fun things.