Fostering story - Jo Brown

Jo Brown is a foster carer with a difference – she specialises in looking after teenage mums-to-be. With five grown-up children of her own – the eldest is 33 and the youngest 21- Jo has plenty of experience of young people and the difficulties they might face during their teenage years.

Jo says:

“I was always interested in being a foster carer but my youngest daughter, Danielle, gave me the idea to become a foster carer for pregnant teenagers. When she became pregnant at 17 it opened my eyes to how much support young mums need. She needed emotional support because she felt she’d let the family down and was worried she wouldn’t be able to carry on and do all the things that young people hope to do. I was so pleased to be there for her, and it started me thinking about other young people who aren’t as lucky.”

Jo completed the assessment process for foster carers three years ago and has looked after four young people since then. Although she was assessed particularly to work with young expectant mothers, Jo cares for a range of young people who need foster homes.

“Four girls have come to live with me in the last two years – a 16 year old who stayed for a year before she moved into semi-independent accommodation, an 11 year old who was waiting to move in with relatives and a 14 year old who couldn’t live at home temporarily. Currently, I have a young lady living with me who has just turned 16 and she is expecting a baby in May.”

So what special skills does it take to be a foster carer for pregnant teenagers?

“I’m currently caring for my first expectant mother, but I would say I’ve supported her in much the same way as the other young people. You definitely need a sense of humour, a lot of patience and a good understanding of difficult situations that young people might find themselves in. For older or pregnant teenagers it’s very important to teach them independent living skills – they need to be able to wash up, clean and feed themselves. With expectant mothers I need to make sure that they are taking responsibility for things like medical appointments and that they will have the ability to care for a young baby.”

Does Jo recommend becoming a foster carer?

“You have to be very committed to be a foster carer – it’s not always easy but when you come through a difficult situation, it makes it all worthwhile.

“I think the best part of being a foster carer is being in a position to watch young people develop and gain confidence. The 11 year old I looked after transformed from being rude and abrupt to someone who had the same issues but could handle them in a different way. The 15 year old who stayed with me learnt really practical skills – like changing a bed and doing her own washing – which was also very satisfying.

“I’m fortunate because my family is very supportive of what I do. My daughter, Danielle, is actually going to be the birth partner for the young woman who’s currently living with me. Hammersmith & Fulham have always been just a phone call away if I have a problem or need advice. One of reasons I chose to foster for the borough is because they responded so quickly and positively when I first got in touch.”