I'd worked there for over 10 years, but after becoming a parent I struggled with my role. I was required to be away from home and it was difficult being away from my son George. Overtime I knew I needed to re-think what I wanted to do and when I became a single parent it became more important to make a change. 

I knew I wanted to do something that would allow me to be around for George and as I started thinking about what to do, fostering really jumped out at me. I knew I could be at home for George and that we as a family could make a huge difference providing a safe and loving home for a child or children in need.

I was approved in September 2015 and to date we have fostered 10 children, provided respite and daycare support to other fostering families. Now I am a long-term foster carer and I am about to be matched with two boys that I have been fostering for nearly three years. I am a single carer, but I couldn't be a foster carer if George wasn't onboard 100% because he is a foster carer too. He is a massive support to me as we are in this together. 

Having a good support network outside the home is essential, having a good working relationship with both my Fostering Social Worker and the Children’s Social Worker is imperative to ensuring the best outcome for the children. Attending local Worcestershire Fostering support groups and the children’s events really helps to build friendships and extend my fostering network. I have developed great friendships with a number of Worcestershire Foster Carers, and we meet up regularly for coffee to catch up and be there for one another. 

When I look back on the last seven years, our journey has been filled with highs, lows and lots of love. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started fostering but it has definitely been the best, life-changing decision I have made. I believe that fostering has helped George to grow into a kind, caring, empathetic young man. It has helped him to understand how fortunate he is and how he can contribute to helping others.

I am very passionate and proud of the work that I do and I did encourage one of my closest friends to embark on this wonderful crazy journey. I knew that as a family they would be brilliant foster carers and they have proved this having recently transitioned their first child to adoption.

Caring for a child and then helping them find their 'happily ever after' is the greatest feeling, but it is also tinged with sadness because the foster carer is experiencing a loss. It was never my plan to become a long term carer because there are so many children within Worcestershire that need help. However, once it was confirmed that the boys would be requiring a long term placement, I knew that staying with George and I was the right choice for us and for them. Fostering is unpredictable and not knowing when the next child may arrive can be worrying, especially as a single parent. The process to be approved as a foster carer takes all of this into consideration and I have and still would advise many people to explore this as an option for them and their families.

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Download: Fostering information pack 2025 (PDF)