13th August 2025

Elena* is your typical 13 year old girl whose face lights up when talking about make-up trends, the latest pop songs and the boy she currently has a crush on. Her energy is infectious and she easily draws others in with her bubbly, outgoing personality and her openness to playful, light hearted banter.

While getting to know Elena, it becomes clear that she has a level of independence that is well beyond her years. She has learned to meet her own needs, look out for herself and navigate challenges that many children her age may never have to face. Elena’s childhood was shaped by a lack of parental availability; emotionally, physically and practically. This meant her basic needs were often overlooked; safety, education and most importantly, the experience of feeling truly loved and valued. Despite this, Elena has developed a quiet resilience and inner strength that continue to shape the remarkable young person she is today.

During her time living in the family home, Elena’s school attendance was not prioritised or encouraged. However, since living in foster care, she has made significant progress and is now thriving at school, achieving 98.7% attendance this academic year. Teachers describe Elena as a pleasant, polite and hardworking pupil who is making steady progress across all subjects. She listens well, follows instructions and contributes thoughtfully to discussions in class. Elena’s performance in her recent summer exams indicates she will benefit from support with revision and exam preparation so that she can fully demonstrate her knowledge and understanding.

Aside of the occasional teenage mood swing or minor frustrations, Elena is well settled in her current foster home and does not present with any behavioural challenges. She has developed a trusting and positive relationship with her carer which has allowed for greater independence and responsibility. Elena will walk a short distance on her own, to the local shop or nearby park where she can spend time with friends.

Foster care has provided Elena a nurturing home environment. Elena is reassured knowing she can feel safe, to relax, have fun and enjoy the freedom of new, everyday experiences. Whether it’s enjoying nutritious meals around the table, spontaneously dancing to music in the kitchen, chatting casually while helping cook or wash dishes or cuddling up to watch a Disney movie, these moments have made a noticeable impact. This shift has not gone unnoticed by Elena herself who recently left a heartful note for her foster carer that read, ‘You’re the best, thanks for letting me be a kid again’.

Whilst Elena is happy and content in her current foster home, she is aware that, due to changes in her carer’s personal circumstances, her foster carer will no longer be able to continue providing care. Elena is hopeful that that her next foster carer will be able to offer her a sense of stability and safety as she navigates her teenage years and works towards her aspiration of working with children and becoming a teacher.

Get in touch with us to find out more about caring for Elena:

Call 0800 0720 137 or complete an online enquiry form

 

*name changed and stock image used to protect child’s identity