Elke and her partner's foster parenting journey began long before their first placement. Through an aunt, they had known about foster care for years and decided early on that they wanted to do it. When they were trying to conceive, they decided to pursue foster care, attended an information evening, and completed the intake process. Just as Elke became pregnant, they received a call to take in a 14-month-old baby.
The first days with their initial foster child, 18 years ago, felt like babysitting but quickly evolved. They immediately welcomed the children into their hearts. The first visits from the parents were a tense period, but in retrospect, they were memorable moments where they collaboratively sought the best approach, working alongside the parents.
Foster parenting now is not much different from any other large family with six children, although it requires flexibility and resilience due to the visitation arrangements with the children's parents or family.
“"When the eldest graduated, we really reflected on the fact that everything had 'ended well'. How differently his life could have turned out if he hadn't come to us. Or when we are on holiday and the youngest are playing joyfully on the beach – then you realize they have a carefree life with us, and that's what we do it for."
Elke encourages people to become foster parents, not just for the love of children, but also for personal growth. She emphasizes the variety of foster care options, from short-term care to supporting families. She views it as building a network: even if a placement ends, they will always have people around them for comfort.
For the future, Elke wishes her foster child that they remain family, even after the placement ends, because being family means more than just sharing a surname.
