Fostering is all in the family - Juanita Carberry

When asked how many children she has fostered in the past eight years, Juanita shakes her head with a little laugh and says, “Twenty-five plus, how’s that?” She’s not exactly sure how many and numbers are not what motivate her. It’s genuine love of children and the desire to help make a difference in their lives.

Juanita prefers to work with the natural family of the children, acknowledging that despite their challenges and problems, they always love their children and the children love them. Children being returned to their family need to stay connected in order for the reunification to work well, she says.

She readily admits the hardest part about being a foster parent has been the situations where children leave and “you put your whole heart into it and then sometimes you’re not happy with the outcome.” Juanita tries to stay connected with children she has fostered and their families. There are some families that keep in contact with her and she finds comfort in knowing they are doing well.

Juanita feels that the support she has received while fostering is an integral part of her success. “You can’t do this alone,” she says. Juanita’s parents, in particular, have been a blessing to her. They supported her decision to foster from the beginning and have been unwavering with that ever since. Initially, Juanita and her parents shared a home but as Juanita’s family kept growing her parents decided to find another residence. They did, right next door.

As well, Juanita strongly believes the ongoing support she receives from foster care caseworkers and foster parents alike has been outstanding, noting she has built several trusting relationships within Children’s Services. Added to the mix in her success, is training. Juanita is convinced that training is paramount to being able to provide well for the children she has. Juanita feels sharing experiences and information is so important she became a foster parent trainer herself three years ago.

Hopefully, Juanita will continue to provide care for children in crises for years to come. Her commitment to the program and devotion to children are appreciated by all who know her. Kudos for a job well done!

June 2005