A FOSTER carer for Worcestershire Fostering is retiring after 18 years of service
During her fostering career, Christine Patrick has provided a safe and nurturing home to 29 children through a combination of short-term and respite care.
A devoted mother of five and proud grandparent to six grandchildren and one great grandchild, Christine has cared for children of all ages and needs—from premature babies overcoming withdrawal to spirited 4-year-olds and teenagers navigating their formative years.
Christine’s journey into fostering began in 2007 when she was seeking a change from her job and came across a notice in the local paper about an information session on fostering. With her children away at university, she decided to attend the session.
Christine said: “Despite having five birth children, I knew I had that capacity to love them and love more.
“I consider myself blessed to have had these children, life doesn’t turn out the way you planned and hoped.”
Christine looked after 12 babies in the latter part of her fostering career, 11 of whom went on to be adopted.
She added: “I’ve lasting memories when adopters meet the baby for the first time – and that’s lovely.
Coun Steve Mackay, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for children and families said: “We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christine for her remarkable 18 years of service as a foster carer.
“Christine’s retirement marks the conclusion of an inspiring chapter, but her contributions will have a lasting impact on the children and young people she has cared for.
“We are profoundly grateful for all she has done and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Christine will be using her time to spend more time with her grandchildren and great grandchild, and said they gave her that final nudge to retire.
She said: “Fostering was my life and retiring, though right, has left a big hole. It’ll take a lot of adjustment and time. It was a very fulfilling job – I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t do it.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 028 2158 for more information.
