At the end of February, D moved to foster care after three years at Home F. This is a wonderful outcome and everyone is thrilled for him, and as part of the “moving on” process, the home held a big celebration to look back on all the memories and recognise D’s journey so far.

D took some time to reflect on his experiences, and made a speech on the day.  It’s a moving piece that sheds light on the multitude of emotions young people can experience whilst in care, and highlights the many ups and downs they face on their individual journeys. For the adults at Home F, perhaps the most special parts of D’s speech will be his recognition that family can come in various forms and that he found people who were ready to put him first and who he could trust.

We’re so grateful to D for sharing his thoughts, and here are a few excerpts:

“Three and a half years in a children’s home. Feels mad even saying it. Three years of ups and downs, of struggling but somehow still smiling, of feeling lost but also finding people who actually care…

At first, it was rough. Walking into a place that’s supposed to be home but doesn’t feel like it. New faces, new rules, new everything. And deep down, that feeling of “why am I even here?” Some nights, I’d just lay in bed thinking about how different things could’ve been. Missing people, even the ones that hurt me. Wishing things had gone another way.

But over time, things change. You meet people—other kids who get it, staff who actually listen… The late-night talks, the times when someone actually understands what you’re feeling, the realisation that you’re not as alone as you thought.

Being in care isn’t just being “looked after.” It’s learning to stand on your own, to keep going even when everything feels messed up. It’s realising that family isn’t always blood, and that sometimes, the people you least expect become the ones you trust the most.”