Building a Foundation on Core Values
When we started To the Moon and Back, we knew that the values we set in place at the outset would guide us throughout the years. Our commitment to doing the right thing at the right time, to deeply caring, and to being honest about the realities of fostering has shaped every step of our growth. Has it been easy? Absolutely not! But has it been worth it? In every possible way, yes.
Fostering is so much more than having a spare room and love in your heart. It’s about being prepared in all ways, but also to share your love, being resilient, and having the knowledge and support to make a real difference in the lives of children who have faced unimaginable hardship. The reward for us is seeing foster carers thrive in this role, supporting children who’ve experienced neglect and abuse to learn to come to terms with their past and succeed in adulthood. And that’s been the heart of our mission—ensuring that foster carers are successful.
The Power of Relationships
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over the years is that successful fostering is all about successful relationships—relationships between foster carers, children, our team, and the wider community. It’s these relationships that provide the foundation for healing and growth.
Our team is small but mighty, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to each other and to our foster carers. We understand that life happens, and being able to offer flexible working ensures our team can respond quickly and be there when needed most. We make it a point to always be available, even outside of office hours, because we know how crucial it is for foster carers to feel supported and understood by someone who truly knows them.
We’ve always worked with a relational approach, built on honesty and a commitment to creating positive outcomes, even when challenges arise. The work we do is messy at times, but it’s always worth it. Working through the ups and downs of relationships is an integral part of any therapeutic approach, and that’s something we’ve come to embrace.
Therapeutic Approaches and Individualized Care
We’ve always believed that every child deserves an individualized approach to care, especially when working with those who have experienced trauma. Over the years, we’ve developed a therapeutic approach that’s been a game-changer for our foster carers. Partnering with Sarah Lloyd and the BUSS team, we’ve been able to offer support programs that focus on play —an approach that has yielded incredible results in a short amount of time.
Though the work is challenging, the difference it makes in the lives of children is undeniable. With this model, we’re giving foster carers the tools to help children feel safe and supported, and it’s making an impact. In a time where mental health services are stretched, it’s been heartening to see this program provide a real sense of hope for both carers and children alike.
Building a Supportive Community
One of our proudest achievements is creating a real sense of community among our foster families. We’ve adapted the Mockingbird model to suit our needs, forming communities of foster families who can lean on each other for support and share experiences. We’ve seen how important this sense of belonging is for both the children and foster carers, and we believe it truly takes a village to raise a child. The strength of these communities has been a beautiful testament to the power of shared experiences and mutual support.
Our events, whether it’s the winter celebration with a disco or a summer day full of games, have been a highlight. Seeing foster carers and young people coming together, forming friendships, and building networks of support has been nothing short of magical.
The Ongoing Need for Foster Carers
One of the most challenging aspects of our work is the ongoing shortage of foster carers. The global challenges of the pandemic, financial challenges, and ongoing conflicts have certainly impacted people’s ability to foster. Yet, despite these difficulties, it’s heartening to see more people considering fostering once again. We’re inspired by the conversations we have with those who are exploring this path, and we remain committed to providing them with all the information they need to make an informed, pressure-free decision.
Matching children with the right foster families is a delicate and vital process. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the match is successful, which not only benefits the children but helps foster carers build strong, lasting relationships with the young people in their care. Getting it right means fewer disruptions for children, and that’s something we feel we can take immense pride in.
Looking Forward to the Next 8 Years
As we reflect on the past eight years, we’re filled with gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished and everyone who has been part of our journey. We’ve seen so much growth, both in the children we’ve helped and in the support networks we’ve built for foster carers. But the work is far from over.
We have big plans for the next chapter, from expanding our ability to help even more children, to continually improving the support we offer to our foster carers. We look forward to meeting new foster carers and working together to continue creating a brighter future for care experienced children.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey over the last eight years. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we can’t wait to see what the next eight years will bring.
Here’s to fostering success, community, and a future full of hope!
