Fostering case study: Adam

Adam is 6 years old boy, with brown eyes and brown hair, and a slim build. We are looking for carers who can work, with support, to prepare him to live in a long term family, perhaps offering that long term commitment themselves.

Adam has a likeable character and enjoys one to one attention. He is chatty, engaging and curious. Adam has an excellent imagination and loves playing with his toys and making up adventure stories with his toys. He was recently bought a pirate ship which he loves. Adam enjoys being outside and particularly likes riding his bike and playing football and has endless amounts of energy. He enjoys watching television and DVD’s, one of his favourites is Scooby Do.

Adam has a number of needs which at times can result in him being a demanding and exhausting child to care for. He has epilepsy, a diagnosis of ADHD and learning difficulties. In addition, Adam has significant attachment difficulties. He also has very limited sight in one eye and wears glasses, although this does not prevent him from being a very active and mobile young boy.

Adam has a statement of special educational needs and attends a school for children with special needs. He manages best when he is in a smaller class group. Adam particularly struggles if younger children are present and needs a high level of supervision. He will push boundaries and feels he needs to be in control. In light of the number of changes he has experienced already Adam he does not respond well to change and sometimes it is not obvious what triggers a particular shift in his behaviour.

While this list of difficulties may seem overwhelming, Adam’s current foster carers have found that he responds well to a style of parenting that understands his behaviour in the context of an attachment model and provides a firm, consistent and sensitive approach to his behaviour. In addition Adam’s medication has helped to manage his epilepsy and ADHD. Adam has made progress in his current placement and we are keen to build on this progress.

Adam needs a carer(s) who will provide him with a clear message that he is going to be accepted, loved and cared for no matter what he does. He needs a carer(s) who are able to take a step back in the moment and consider the behaviour in the context of a child who has an attachment disorder and respond within this framework. He needs carer(s) who are experienced, able to set boundaries, be one step ahead, and who have endless energy and a large dose of humour. A good support network and the ability to work within a team are also essential.

In his short life Adam has already had to cope with a great deal of separation and loss. Adam was removed from his birth parents at the age of 2 due to neglect. Since then he has experienced 5 changes of placement including an adoption breakdown. He has contact three times a year with his siblings and maternal grandmother and three times a year with his maternal grandmother on her own. He has indirect contact with his birth parents three times a year.

Could you be the foster carers that Adam needs?

There will be a strong support package available for Adam and his carers. This could include the carers being welcomed on to the Therapeutic Reparenting Programme (TRP) if this was appropriate.

If you would like more information please contact the Initial Enquiries Team on 0845 330 2968.  They will be able to put you in touch with Adam’s Disabled Children’s Service Social Worker and with the TRP.

Please view our other case studies about fostering experiences.