Home / Health / Foster Care Saved My Life: Ex-Care Leaver's Story
Foster Care Saved My Life: Ex-Care Leaver's Story
10 Jul
Summary
- Care leaver credits foster family for preventing prison or addiction.
- Anger and PTSD struggles resolved after moving into foster care.
- Gloucestershire has seen a 5% drop in foster families over five years.
An 18-year-old who experienced foster care has shared how his foster family provided a crucial turning point, steering him away from a path that could have led to prison or addiction.
Adam Lucas, originally from Stonehouse, entered the care system at the age of four. He struggled with significant anger issues and post-traumatic stress disorder before moving in with his foster parents, David and Sabrina Ridout, six years ago.
Lucas expressed deep gratitude, stating that his foster parents created a sense of belonging and provided unparalleled support, enabling him to find his own direction. This personal testament comes at a time when Gloucestershire faces a shortage of foster families.
Over the past five years, the number of foster families in Gloucestershire has decreased by 5%, representing over 15 households. In response, the county council is launching initiatives to recruit new foster families, offering both financial incentives and essential social support.
