Riley

Riley is a young person in need of a safe, stable, and loving foster family to help him with several difficulties. He is energetic and bubbly in character. He had experienced physical and emotional abuse, in his early childhood before coming into care. This has made it challenging for him to form meaningful friendships and appropriate relationships with others, which he recognizes and would like support in changing.

Riley struggles with his mental health at times and is currently seeing a therapist every week to talk about his past and to help him deal with this. He is currently living in a residential home, and he finds it hard to cope with such a large and busy environment, he would benefit from being in a smaller environment.

He says:

I have a good sense of humour and I love to be around people. I enjoy adult company and like to talk about things that I am interested in. I am kind and caring. I love animals so living with pets would not be an issue.

"I talk openly about my mental health and communicate when I am feeling low or anxious. I used to enjoy going to the gym with my previous foster carer and I'd like to do some of these activities again."

"I find it difficult to make friends and I feel lonely at times. I would love it if a carer could take me on holiday with them - this would be a great way to feel part of a family. I would also like to have a foster carer that wants to spend time with me doing nice things."

The case study is based on a real child, but names have been changes to protect their identity.