In their words

Billy

Billy is 16 years old and has lived with his long term foster carers (Soraya and Peter) and their daughter Kim, for the last seven years. They receive approximately £250 per week to meet Billy's needs and as it may be taxed, we have a financial advisor to help and provide guidance.

To ensure the success of Billy's placement, high levels of support are built in to Billy's care package. There is Vicram (social worker) who visits on a monthly basis (more if required) to make sure everything is okay. There is also Heidi, a Barnardo's psychologist, who visits Billy in school every month, and provides information and advice to carers on issues such as behaviour management etc.

The school bus takes Billy to and from school each day. Although it is a few miles away, Billy never complains about the travelling, only that his friends live far away. Billy is working through his individual education programme and learning to become more independent, encouraged by the physio, speech and occupational therapists and carers both in and out of school.

Looking after Billy and enabling him to take part in everyday activities is hard work, especially when his epilepsy was not controlled by medication. To ensure Soraya and Peter have quality time either together or with Kim, Vicram arranges for Billy to have overnight stays with Allun, a short-term break carer. Allum works full time so Billy visits for a weekend every six weeks and for a week during the summer holiday. Billy enjoys this time away from 'the parents' as Allun always thinks of things for them to do such as swimming, ten pin bowling etc. Allun does not live locally, so transport is shared and he claims travel expenses and a tax free allowance of approximately £33 for a 24 hour period.

Billy's placement with Soraya and Peter is a successful one. Gradually their relationships have developed and they cannot imagine Billy moving on or for them not to be involved with him.

This has been a result of everyone working together, in partnership, to ensure Billy and his carers receive the help and support they need, when they need it. Soray and Peter receive regular training on an ongoing basis and Vicram or someone else is always on the other end of the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.