A passionate advocate for fostering - Madison's story #SandD2015

Being the daughter of a foster carer can bring great joy, but it can also present many challenges. Madison Clarke, 17, from Badger Hill, North Yorkshire, has stepped forward to raise awareness of what a positive experience being at the heart of a fostering family can be.

Using her position as semi-finalist in Miss Teen GB 2015, Madison has been working with York City Council to promote fostering in her area, and to engage potential and existing carers.

She talked to The Fostering Network about what she sees as the benefits of being part of a foster family, and what inspires her to be an advocate for fostered children and foster carers.

What does being the daughter of a foster carer mean to you?

I’m immensely proud of my mum for not only being a foster carer but also a great role model to me. I’ve learnt resilience from the way mum manages situations and I’ve had to make sacrifices that I think have made me grow. I was the only child of a single parent and I have had to learn to share and not always come first! I’ve had to learn how to be a good sister. I’ve accomplished this by learning from how mum has adapted to being a mum to a child with different needs from mine.

How did you feel growing up with foster siblings?

It felt pretty normal. We did short-break caring from when I was six. Many of my friends have brothers and sisters so it made me feel even more included. I think some people might be put off fostering because of concern about the impact on their own children, but if anything it has made my life much more fulfilled.

What has inspired you to be a passionate advocate for fostering?

It’s such an important cause and I want to represent it because there are misconceptions about fostering. I think it needs to be publicised more so more people are aware of the help needed. I’ve had such a good childhood that I want to offer that to others. Fostering has contributed to my positive development and has made me a better person. I have more compassion and awareness of others and it makes me really appreciate what I have. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience of fostering.

In what ways have you tried to make life better for the children that have come into your family’s care?

Just to be supportive, a role model, someone they can rely on and trust. Sometimes to just be a friend, but also to set the boundaries that allow the child to feel secure.

Do you have any anecdotes from your time growing up with foster siblings?

We fostered a little girl with disabilities and often she would only do things, like put on her shoes and coat, when I asked her to or showed her. I was the same age as her and I think we had a sisterly bond that she really enjoyed.
Now we foster a boy who is four years younger than me. He has been with us for four years. I don’t consider him a ‘foster brother’ – he IS my brother! We bicker and argue like siblings but he knows he can (and does) confide in me.

Would you consider fostering when you’re older?

Yes – it’s such a great cause. And there are so many different types of fostering you can do (short break, emergency, long-term), so there is something for everyone. I think if anyone has the capacity to foster they should – it is so important for all children to have a safe and secure home, even if that can’t be with their own family.

This blog was written as part of our Sons and Daughters Month blogging competition. Find out more about Sons and Daughters Month.