Trevor Elliott
Not your typical foster carer
For anyone who might write themselves off from becoming a foster carer, Trevor’s story could inspire you to think again.
Trevor had been helping his local community for a few years before he decided to become a foster carer. At the age of 19, Trevor co-founded a not-for-profit social inclusion project in south London to move children away from gang-related violence. A lot of young people took part, but Trevor wanted to do more. So, he saved up money to move into a bigger home so that he could look into fostering.
In 2016, as a 24-year-old single male, Trevor approached different local authorities to apply to be a foster carer. He was turned away and told that he didn’t have enough experience.
Trevor then spoke to Camden Council, as social worker Blair explains: “One could assume that being so young and not having parenting experience himself, Trevor would not have been a candidate for fostering. However, I could not get out quickly enough to meet Trevor after we had first spoken on the phone. I was not disappointed.
"Trevor's enthusiasm to support young people was clear. He had a proven track record in working with young people, running youth clubs, and I recognized Trevor could relate to, support and walk alongside young people who are finding their own way into adulthood. Trevor shows that fostering requires people who bring a variety of skills to the lives of vulnerable children.”
In 2020, Trevor’s achievements were recognised at the highest level when he won an MBE for services to vulnerable children.
Read more about Trevor’s incredible story in an interview with the Guardian.
If this story has inspired you to think about whether you could foster with Camden, find out more about how to become a foster carer.