Fostering Stories

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Sep 1 2024 12:00PM

“I’ve found the support with FCA fantastic, someone has always been there to help me”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Elaine from South Yorkshire who has been fostering since 2005. She shares the support she receives from FCA and recommends fostering for anyone considering a career switch.

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Aug 15 2024 12:00PM

“I would absolutely recommend FCA to anyone thinking of fostering, it’s like one extended family”

Foster Parents

Meet FCA foster parent, Vanessa, who has been fostering for nearly a decade looking after a range of children from five up to supporting young adults into independence. She shares the support she’s received through FCA, and the positive impact fostering has had on her life.

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Aug 1 2024 12:00PM

“Fostering is hard work but completely worth it.”

Foster Parents

Rozanne shares her journey of fostering with FCA, what motivated her to become a foster parent and her own experiences of being in foster care.

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Jul 24 2024 12:00PM

“I do lots of things with the children that I probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t fostering – they’ve enriched my life massively.”

Foster Parents

A single carer, Alison has been fostering with FCA Midlands since 2017. She shares how fostering has enriched her life, and the little things that have made a big difference.

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Jul 2 2024 12:00PM

"I've attended many of the support groups and regional events hosted by FCA which are brilliant."

Foster Parents

Danielle and Sam started their fostering journey with FCA South Western in July 2023. Here is their story so far...

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Jun 13 2024 12:00PM

"Fostering is not like a job to us, it just part of our life."

Foster Parents

Meet foster parents Sarah and Paul who have been fostering with FCA North West since 2021. Here's their story so far...

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Jun 10 2024 12:00PM

“Always know in your heart that you are making a difference to that young person’s life. Their experiences will last a lifetime.”

Foster Parents

Meet FCA foster parents, Debbie and Geoff, who started their fostering journey after their own children flew the nest. The couple share their fostering highlights and how rewarding it is to see a child flourish in their care.

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May 22 2024 12:00PM

“Fostering has enriched our lives. To see the children experience new things, and the feedback you get from them is priceless.”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parents Phill and Stig who recently celebrated their first year of fostering with FCA Cymru. The couple share their family holiday highlights, and the importance of giving their foster children new enriching experiences.

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Apr 26 2024 12:00PM

“Give it a go. If you’ve got a lot of love and patience, you'll reap the rewards”.

Foster Parents

Meet foster parents Karen and Wayne who have been fostering with FCA South Western since 2020. Here's their story...

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Mar 14 2024 12:00PM

“When I see a child smile, I feel that I have done my job. It is wonderful seeing a child dancing and telling jokes. It is so rewarding.”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parents Elizabeth and Andrew from Swansea. Fostering was always a dream of theirs, and in 2022 the time was finally right, and the couple started their journey to become foster parents with FCA Cymru.

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Feb 16 2024 12:00PM

“Fostering has brought us all together as a family, I wish we had started a long time ago”

Foster Parents

Meet FCA foster parent Paula, who started her fostering journey with FCA Thames Valley after her own three children flew the nest. She shares her fostering highlights, and how it’s brought her family closer together.

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Jan 15 2024 12:00PM

"My biggest regret is that we didn't do this earlier"

Foster Parents

Meet Elaine and Stephen, foster parents from Northern Ireland. In 2020 they decided it was the perfect time to embark on their fostering journey. Here is their story...

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Jan 8 2024 12:00PM

"They say it takes a village to raise a child, and they are my village, honestly."

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Claudia from Thames Valley who has highlighted the importance of recruiting more BAME foster parents to support our looked after children. Claudia also talks the about importance of the support she has had from FCA.

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Oct 20 2023 12:00PM

“I wasn’t going to give up on him, no matter what”

Foster Parents

Celia was determined to give her foster child the best life she could, she said: “Lewis* came from a really difficult background, things were tough. But I wasn’t going to give up on him, no matter what.”

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Oct 16 2023 12:00PM

"Thinking about fostering? Our advice: just do it!"

Foster Parents

We caught up with foster parent Angie who has been fostering with us since 2015 along with husband Paul. She shared with us their fostering story…

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Sep 18 2023 12:00PM

“Moving to FCA was one of the best things I ever did, I can’t recommend them enough”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Georgia from Newcastle who started fostering at 24. She shares her fostering highlights after she recently transferred to FCA from a local authority. Now with her partner, the couple look after a sibling group of two.

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Sep 14 2023 12:00PM

“FCA are fantastic with all the events and activities for children of all ages”

Foster Parents

Lesley has been fostering with FCA for over 10 years, and has made a huge difference to the lives of two siblings who have been with her long term. She shares all about the support she’s received from FCA over the past decade.

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Sep 1 2023 12:00PM

“I’ve only got good things to say about the support, there is always someone at the end of the phone - day or night.”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Elaine who has been fostering for nearly a decade. She shares her advice to those thinking about fostering, and the first-class support she’s received from FCA throughout her journey.

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Aug 23 2023 12:00PM

"Fostering is an incredible journey, so follow your heart”.

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Julie who started her fostering journey in 2015 with FCA Thames Valley at the age of 24. Now together with her family they focus on more specialised parent and child fostering.

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Aug 23 2023 12:00PM

“Fostering is not a Disney movie…but it can be at times Disney magic.”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Jayne from Buckinghamshire who started her fostering journey in 2012 after wanting to continue her role as a stay at home parent. She recalls her fostering highlights and advice for anyone considering making a difference to a child’s life.

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Aug 22 2023 12:00PM

“The best moment is seeing a child settle with you, flourish and come out of their shell.”

Foster Parents

Meet foster parent Leanne who is new to fostering, starting her journey in early 2023. She shares her fostering highlights and how her previous career as a teaching assistant has helped her to transition into the role of a foster parent.

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Jul 13 2023 12:00PM

A day in the life of foster parents...

Foster Parents

We had the opportunity to speak with foster parents Sharon and Pete, hearing first-hand about their typical day in the life of fostering.

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Jul 4 2023 12:00PM

Parveen and Imraz, our first year of fostering.

Foster Parents

"When you start to see the positive impact you are making to children’s lives you will get such a warm feeling that cannot be described." Meet Parveen and Imraz as they reflect on their first year of fostering with FCA Midlands.

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Jun 5 2023 12:00PM

"To sum up fostering it is so worthwhile - just do it"

Foster Parents

We catch up with Sharon and Peter who have been foster parents with FCA since 2020, as they share their best fostering moments.

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May 22 2023 12:00PM

“I thoroughly enjoy fostering, I just can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Foster Parents

This year Linda and Derek from FCA Midlands celebrate an astonishing 25 years fostering with FCA. Here they look back over their momentous fostering journey.

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Apr 11 2023 12:00PM

"If you're already thinking about fostering go for it."

Foster Parents

Meet Allison, a foster parent from FCA Northern Ireland as she shares her fostering experience so far and what is like to foster alongside having your own children.

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Apr 4 2023 12:00PM

"I wouldn't have my children today if it wasn't for FCA."

Foster Parents

Meet Michelle, a foster parent from FCA Midlands who has devoted the last 15 years to fostering. She shares her incredible story of life with her 14 children.

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Dec 13 2022 12:00PM

“I just want to give these children the best childhood I possibly can”

Foster Parents

Single foster parent, Angie, from Newcastle upon Tyne reflects on nearly 20 years of fostering and how providing short-breaks for children have provided her with the flexibility she’s been looking for when it comes to taking care of vulnerable children.

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Nov 2 2022 12:00PM

“It feels like she’s been here all of her life”

Foster Parents

Single foster parent, Sharon shares her experience of fostering over the past two years and reveals how she found the matching process so beneficial.

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Oct 20 2022 12:00PM

Mother and baby specialist foster parent talks through her journey so far

Foster Parents

Meet FCA North East foster parent Sheila as she talks about parent and child fostering and her journey so far.

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Aug 22 2022 12:00PM

"You could be missing out on a child who really needs you."

Foster Parents

Meet foster parents Joanne and Steve from West Yorkshire as they share their fostering journey with FCA so far and encourage all foster parents to make themselves available for out of hours fostering.

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Aug 19 2022 12:00PM

“Foster care is not without its challenges, but there are so many little moments that make it amazing."

Foster Parents

Belfast foster parent Clinton is calling for more members of the LGBTQ+ community to consider fostering a child in need of a home.

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Jun 20 2022 12:00PM

Foster parent Colin celebrates men in foster care

Foster Parents

Foster parent Colin from the North West reflects on his 17 years of full-time fostering and how some stereotypical beliefs restrict so many incredible individuals from taking the leap to foster.

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Apr 2 2022 12:00PM

“It’s not all about making them happy and giving them nice things, it’s about being a comforting presence and being kind. Sometimes they just need to know you are there.”

Foster Parents

Single foster parent, Marlene, based in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, has worked with children with autism, shares her incredible fostering journey so far.

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Mar 24 2022 12:00PM

“The big thing was making that decision and going with it. We’ve never regretted it, and never looked back!”

Foster Parents

Steve and Eileen, winners of the Families First Foster Carer award in 2017 and foster parents for over 15 years, sit down to talk to us about their journey so far.

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Mar 15 2022 12:00PM

“It is amazing to see what wonderful children they have grown to become.”

Foster Parents

Christie, a Derbyshire local, has been fostering for the past three years and sat down to share her experience and advice for future foster parents.

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Feb 28 2022 12:00PM

"We find fostering so rewarding, we do not consider it as a job, it’s a way of life.”

Foster Parents

Foster parents, Delia and Franz who are based in the North of England, have been fostering vulnerable children for seven years and are currently looking after two children.

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Feb 17 2022 12:00PM

“It’s giving children a brighter future and keeping them safe”

Foster Parents

Single foster parent, Nicola from the North East shares her incredible fostering journey over the past 20 years.

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Feb 9 2022 12:00PM

"When they can recognise that they have achieved something amazing, like he did, it means the world to me.”

Foster Parents

After 12 years and a varied foster career, Mandy speaks about her foster journey so far with FCA.

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Feb 4 2022 12:00PM

“Your life does change completely, of course it does, but you are able to invest yourself and your time into creating better outcomes for young people”

Foster Parents

Michelle left her job working in education to devote her time to vulnerable young children. Now, with her partner Ashley, the pair from the North East foster full time and have two young girls in their care.

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Dec 22 2021 12:00PM

"My birth child who is 15 years old has been very much involved. This Christmas, he has taken on the role as big brother "

Foster Parents

FCA Foster Parent Nina knows family is everything and wanted to share her experience of the positive impact that fostering at Christmas had on her family and especially the effect it had on her birth son.

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Dec 16 2021 12:00PM

“My second ever foster child defied all expectations and changed my Christmases forever.”

Foster Parents

Fostering over Christmas can make a world of difference to children in care and foster carers alike. Since Caroline’s first Christmas as a foster parent she has supported all kinds of children and young people over Christmas, and would urge others to do the same.

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Nov 24 2021 12:00PM

“He isn’t the same as when he arrived with me. He has transformed.”

Foster Parents

Cathy Richards from Anglesey digs deep as she talks about her first 16 months as a foster parent.

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Nov 24 2021 12:00PM

“My husband looked at me like I’d gone mad, but let me tell you, it was the best thing we ever did.”

Foster Parents

It all started with a small advert in the local newspaper, and almost 16 years later, Jill and Gary are still fostering. Jill chats about their experiences…

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Nov 16 2021 12:00PM

"Moving into full time fostering was definitely unknown territory for us, but it was the best decision we made and we’ve never looked back."

Foster Parents

Foster Parents Ellie and Pete Wileen, who are both ex members of the armed forces, share their inspiring foster story so far.

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Nov 11 2021 12:00PM

“We wouldn’t go back to a 9-5 job. We absolutely love and enjoy fostering”

Foster Parents

Foster parents, Sharon and Robert from Cymru, embarked on their fostering journey back in 2010 and share with us their experience over the past decade.

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Nov 3 2021 12:00PM

“By giving them a stable home, a stable environment, we’re helping to change history in that child’s life.”

Foster Parents

Foster parent Mandy shares her fostering experience over the past 13 years with FCA Northern Ireland.

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Nov 2 2021 12:00PM

“We always tell our children, they’re loved, and that tomorrow is a new day”

Foster Parents

Foster parent, Joanna has been fostering for over a decade shares her fostering experience, her approach to care and the importance of family.

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Nov 1 2021 12:00PM

"I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending FCA"

Foster Parents

Danielle’s mum, Jackie referred Danielle and Michael through the FCA word of mouth scheme. The couple, along with their own daughter have now been fostering with FCA for 3 years and haven't looked back.

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Nov 1 2021 12:00PM

" I recommended my daughter to FCA"

Foster Parents

Jackie and Simon have been fostering with FCA for eight and a half years. They share their story with us and why they decided to recommend Jackie’s daughter and son-in-law through FCA’s Refer-a-Friend Scheme.

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Oct 21 2021 12:00PM

“It is the most rewarding thing you can do in your lifetime so if you want to do it, go for it”

Foster Parents

Retiring foster parent, Anne shares her experience of two decades worth of fostering.

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Sep 27 2021 12:00PM

"It’s special to be able to make such a difference to people’s lives, we love what we do."

Foster Parents

FCA’s Time to Shine winner, Melanie based in Shropshire, shares how specialising in parent and child placement fostering has changed her life.

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Jun 22 2021 12:00PM

Trevor's Story

Foster Parents

Meet Trevor and his wife Tracey who were approved as foster parents in 2015 and since then they have gone on to foster eight young children in six years.

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Apr 19 2021 12:00PM

Meet Lynne - one of FCA’s longest fostering parents

Foster Parents

Single foster parent, Lynne shares her fostering experience over the past two decades.

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Mar 3 2021 14:00PM

Luke and Danny's story

Foster Parents

Danny and Luke were approved as foster parents in 2018 and since then they have gone on to foster eight young children in just two years.

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Feb 16 2021 17:00PM

Sarah's story

Foster Parents

Sarah, based in the South East, who specialises in parent and child placements shares how fostering over ten years has changed her life.

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Feb 16 2021 17:00PM

Behind Angie and Andy's door

Foster Parents

"We get through challenging days knowing that we are part of a great community changing the lives of children and young people.’’

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Nov 9 2020 12:00PM

Meet foster parent Lorna

Foster Parents

Lorna had room in her home, in her heart, so her fostering journey began

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Nov 5 2020 12:00PM

Mel and Pam

Foster Parents

Read Mel and Pam's fostering story

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Oct 30 2020 12:00PM

“Just do it, it’s the best experience we have ever had”

Foster Parents

Sharing their fostering journey to help inspire others to think about fostering, meet new foster carers Steven and Kevin.

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Oct 30 2020 12:00PM

Deborah and Brian’s story

Foster Parents

Deborah and Brian Butler from North Wales have been fostering with FCA for over 11 years.

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Oct 30 2020 12:00PM

Katie and Jade’s Story

Foster Parents

Two foster carers, Katie and Jade North Wales started their fostering career earlier than most at just 23 and 25.

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Oct 30 2020 12:00PM

Joanne and Martyn’s Story

Foster Parents

Meet Joanne (38) and Martyn (39) Shaw from Wigan who have been foster carers with Foster Care Associates (FCA) for seven years.

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Oct 30 2020 12:00PM

Why foster parent and child placements?

Foster Parents

Why foster parent and child placements?

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Oct 10 2020 17:00PM

Alison’s Story

Foster Parents

Marathon runner, Alison is never one to shy away from a challenge. However, her biggest challenge in life so far is being able to provide and safe and nurturing home to children and young people in care.

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