Being fostered

What's it like being a foster carer?

Foster a Future logo We asked a selection of our current foster carers what it was like to foster a future and to share with us some of their experiences, here is what they said:

“I knew it was something I wanted to do but I was really anxious too; the training really helped to prepare me and to boost my confidence. I was with other people like me and we had really good discussions with experienced foster carers; some of them had been fostering for ten and fifteen years and really loved the chance they had been given to care for the children who had been placed with them. We met with a wide range of child care professionals too; people like social workers, child psychologists, health experts and everyone was so friendly and helpful. By the end of the training I knew I was ready to take the step of caring for a child.” Kirsty, aged 32, currently fostering two young children.

“If you’ve ever been in a room with lots of foster carers you’ll know what the noise level is like! We love what we do and that’s why we’re so lively and happy. I am so proud to be a foster carer and I’m proud of the other foster carers too; it’s a great achievement in life to offer a child a loving home, to give them security and to help them grow.” George, aged 61, currently fostering two teenagers

What's it like being fostered?

We asked some children to tell us what it is like being fostered. Here's what some of them had to say:

“I lived at Jane’s house for five years. Sometimes I was cheeky and I ran away a few times. Jane helped me and talked to me a lot. She helped me go to school and learn things. When I was 16 I left Jane and went back to my mam. Jane gave me lots of help and really cared about me. I am now on a training scheme and it’s good. I still go and see Jane sometimes. I like to talk to her about things that are going on for me now.” John, aged 16.

“I have been in my placement with Karen for four years. I didn’t know what to expect when I came into care. I was very scared and sad but Karen was very good. She listened to me and explained why I couldn’t be with my mam and dad. Karen was always there when I wanted to talk. She helped me a lot.” Adam, aged 15.

“I am going to be with Janice for a long time - maybe ‘til I am 16. I like being here because Janice looks after me and helps me lots. I didn’t know what to expect when I came to live here. I am happy here although I miss my mam sometimes.” Paul, aged 12.

We have worked with some children who are being fostered and have written a booklet. It talks about things such as: