Fostering Target Brings Hope for Thousands of Children
Dr Krish Kandiah, drawing from two decades of personal experience, has passionately advocated for the life-changing impact of fostering, as the government unveils an ambitious new target to create thousands of foster care placements.
A Midnight Feast That Went Uneaten
In a poignant recollection, Dr Kandiah describes a heart-wrenching scene where four children, recently removed from their home, sat shellshocked in his lounge. Despite offering cookies, doughnuts, and crisps in a bid to provide comfort, the children were too traumatized to eat, highlighting the profound challenges faced by those entering the care system.
It took several days before they were ready to tuck into treats, he notes, underscoring the patience and dedication required from foster carers.
The Privilege of Fostering Over 20 Years
For Dr Kandiah and his wife, fostering has been one of the greatest privileges of their lives. Against a backdrop of unimaginable trauma and betrayal by those who should have cared for them, they have witnessed firsthand how consistent love, support, and compassion can help children rebuild their lives.
We have seen many children return home, while others have started a new chapter through adoption, he explains. Three children have become permanent members of their family, bringing immense joy but also filling their home to capacity.
Heartbreak in the Care System
Dr Kandiah expresses deep sorrow over systemic issues, such as children being placed in distant counties, separated from siblings, or housed in residential settings without family support. These practices, he argues, exacerbate the trauma experienced by vulnerable young people.
Ambitious Political Leadership in Fostering
He welcomes recent political initiatives, particularly highlighting Children's Minister Josh MacAlister's target of 10,000 new approved foster care places. Inspired by the success of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, this goal aims to catalyze a sea change in fostering recruitment across the nation.
Dr Kandiah remains optimistic that, with robust support for children, foster carers, and children's services, these placements can be achieved. Every child deserves a family – a place to feel safe, seen, and loved, he asserts, emphasizing the profound difference that fostering can make.
A Rewarding Journey Worth Recommending
Reflecting on his experiences, Dr Kandiah describes fostering as highly rewarding and encourages others to consider it. Playing a small part in a child's life, he concludes, can have an enormous impact, offering hope and stability to those in need.
