A CARE leaver in Salisbury is speaking out to challenge perceptions of young people in care – and is urging more people to consider fostering to help change lives.

Adam Lucas, 18, who has been supported by Fosterplus, says his own experience shows just how transformative foster care can be.

He entered care at just four-years-old and moved in with his current foster family six years ago.

Now studying construction at college, he continues to live with them – the people he calls “mum” and “dad”.

He said: “My foster parents make me feel like I finally belong. They’ve looked after me better than anyone else and have helped me find my own path. I know they’ll always fight my corner if I need help.

“I truly believe that if it weren’t for my foster parents, I would currently be in jail. But they fought so hard to keep me out of trouble and taught me how to stay safe.”

Support is key

Adam also praised the wider support network around him.

He said: “I know I’m not supposed to, but I have two favourite members of staff at Fosterplus.

“If I’m not at home when they do a surprise visit, they will always come back a few days later just to say hello to me.

“And if I’m stressed, they know how to comfort me, and are always there to help a child in need. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a care leaver or still living in care. They will always help you.”

Adam’s challenges

Like many children in care, Adam faced significant challenges growing up.

He added: “My birth parents gave me severe PTSD and anger issues from what they put me through, and all before I was four. I wasn’t just angry with them, but at the whole world.

“It was really hard at school. I was in fights most days and suspended most weeks. I had trouble studying, and only now has my brain finally caught up with everyone else who is the same age as me.”

Despite this, he says his foster family never gave up on him.

“They’re kind and understanding and won’t force or rush me into anything. They gave me a second chance at life, and I will always love them and be thankful for that, even if they really annoy me sometimes.”

Adam at his summer prom last year.

The scale of the problem

Figures show the scale of the issue, with around a quarter of the prison population and a similar proportion of homeless people having been in care.

Adam hopes his story will inspire others to step forward.

“Foster care gives people like me a better chance of having a good life,” he explained.

“It stops them from getting arrested, ending up homeless or in prison. You just need to have the right qualities – determination, resilience, and a strong will – because these kids will push your buttons. But overall, I think all you need is to be a good person.”

There are currently 6,260 looked-after children in the South West, with 478 in Wiltshire alone.

This year Fosterplus is celebrating 30 years of providing support to foster parents, children and young people in Wiltshire.

Anyone interested in opening their homes can call 0800 098 4152 or visit www.fosterplus.co.uk