Fostering in Buckinghamshire Fostering stories

Maya* is a bright and thoughtful 16-year-old who has experienced significant instability at home due to family members’ drug use. This environment exposed her to risk and led to her own history of drug misuse as a way of coping with stress and uncertainty.

Maya also loves singing and writing her own lyrics which have long been her escape and a healthy outlet for her emotions. She can be warm, insightful and resilient, and she responds well to adults who are consistent, curious (not judgmental), and encouraging.

Her engagement with education has been affected by her trauma. She would benefit from a flexible, step-by-step plan to reengage with school, college, or alternative provision, when she is ready emotionally and made progress in her recovery. Creative subjects, especially relating to music, will help her return to education.

Maya wants to be part of family life and finds it difficult to ask for help, so needs foster carers who can confidently support a young person with a history of substance misuse, be open and compassionate, notice early signs of struggling, provide a stable environment to prevent drug relapse and build a positive future.

• Specialist training on trauma-informed care, substance misuse awareness, harm reduction and relapse prevention.
• Multi agency coordination including regular liaison with substance misuse services, CAMHS, education/college, and social care to create a clear care plan.
• Guidance to create clear routines and boundaries, including agreed expectations around substances, peers, and safe spaces to build trust and security.
• Crisis and out-of-hours support: access to advice and guidance outside normal hours so her foster carers are never managing risk alone.

The plan is for Maya to move into a stable, nurturing family setting where she feels safe, respected, and included.

With foster carers who can provide consistent routines, therapeutic communication, and informed support around substance misuse, Maya will be supported to strengthen her recovery, understand her emotions, and find an education path that is right for her.

Her passion for singing and music will be encouraged as a positive outlet, creating a sense of identity and achievement, and a bridge to future opportunities.