Janet Linley

Janet has been a foster carer as part of ‘Foster with CANW’ for 14 years. Her dedication and unstinting support offered to her foster children is absolutely extraordinary, particularly in the light of personal losses she has suffered.

Working 24/7, Janet has transformed the lives of foster children. Katlyn, who came to live with her, aged 9, had hugely complex medical and social needs, alongside very limited communication skills. Janet learned a vast array of medical skills to enable her to provide all the care Katlyn has required. She has advocated for Katlyn when it came to providing support outside the home, and making sure her needs are met at all times. This included sitting with her in school for months until an appropriate Teaching Assistant could be provided, taking and collecting her from college when suitable transport could not be provided, and much more.

Katlyn’s health and social development has improved in leaps and bounds. She has gone from being bed bound to now walking. She has learned Makaton in order to communicate. Her tracheotomy has been removed and she can breathe independently. She joined Brownies and Guides and enjoys social activities with her peers.