Member News from Barnardo's: What Sara wishes more people knew about being in care

Most people know very little about what it’s like to grow up in care. We spoke to 24-year-old Sara, a care leaver from Lincolnshire, about her experience and what she wants people to understand about life for children and young people in or leaving care.

How has being in care shaped who you are today?
“Even at school, when we were learning about family types, they talked about stepfamilies and adoption, but it was never covered that people could be fostered. My friends never really understood why I called my foster mum by her first name. And then it always led to awkward conversations and thinking how much can I disclose without weirding them off too much?

“But I wouldn't be me without being in care. I frankly don't think I would talk which is crazy because that’s the main thing I do now!  - I definitely don't think I'd talk at events in Parliament, like I do now. I feel like I now know who I am without my siblings and my family name."

What was your experience of going into care?
“I was about eight when we first went into care, but it was interesting when I got my care records because they predate my existence. So, it turns out social services were involved before I was alive. Which is crazy because it's like, how come my records start before I did?

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