Not your typical foster carer

For anyone who might write themselves off from becoming a foster carer, Trevor’s story should inspire you to think again.

Trevor had already been investing in his local community for a number of years before he decided to become a foster carer. At the age of 19, Trevor co-founded a not-for-profit social inclusion project in south London that aimed to divert children away from gang-related violence. It was attracting a large number of young people, but Trevor wanted to do more. He saved up money to move into a bigger home so that he could look into fostering.

Aged 24, as a single male, Trevor approached a number of different local authorities to apply to foster. He was turned away and told that he didn’t have enough experience. Trevor then approached Camden and social worker Blair explains what happened next: “One could assume that being so young and not having parenting experience himself, Trevor would not have been a candidate for fostering. However I could not get out quickly enough to meet Trevor after we had first spoken on the phone. I was not disappointed.  Trevor's enthusiasm to support young people was clear. He had a proven track record in working with young people running youth clubs and I recognized Trevor could relate to, support and walk alongside young people who are finding their own way into adulthood.  Trevor shows that fostering requires people who bring a variety of skills to the lives of vulnerable children.”

Trevor is now 29 and has been fostering with Camden for four years. This year Trevor’s achievements were recognised at the highest level when he won an MBE for services to vulnerable children.

Read more about Trevor’s incredible story,  in a recent interview with him in the Guardian newspaper. Trevor says, “Now, more than ever, is the time we need to be helping our kids. If you have a spare room, consider it. Ultimately, whatever’s going to happen with this virus or after, we’re either going to get through it together or on our own. And I don’t think anyone wants to get through challenging stuff on their own.”

If this story has inspired you to think about whether you could foster with Camden, find out more about how to become a foster carer.