We spoke to Cora, one of our foster carers, about her journey into fostering, what she has found most rewarding, and what she would say to anyone considering becoming a foster carer.
What inspired you to become a foster carer?
“For me, it began while I was working as a Probation Officer. A young man I supported had nowhere to live, but he told me he would ask his former foster carer, who he called Grandad. Although retired, this foster carer welcomed him back into his home, and they shared a really strong, positive relationship.
The young man had originally moved in as a teenager, and over time their bond grew. He later had a daughter who visited, and they supported one another as family.
At the time, I was working part time and had a four-year-old son. My positive experiences as a mother, alongside what I saw through my work, prompted me to consider fostering.”
What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your fostering journey?
“Sometimes the changes in children happen so gradually that you don’t notice them straight away, until someone points them out to you. That’s when you reflect and realise just how far they have come – whether that’s learning to ride a bike, developing emotional regulation, or sitting down to enjoy a meal. Those moments make you feel incredibly proud.
Young children bring many ‘firsts’, but one particularly special experience was caring for a 14-year-old, which took me slightly outside my comfort zone. We started going out cycling to encourage fresh air and movement, and seeing his pure joy as he went downhill was wonderful.
Another very special moment was supporting a little girl as she met her adoptive parents for the first time. After watching a DVD about them and talking everything through together, she excitedly shouted ‘Mummy’ when her soon-to-be adoptive parent walked through our door.”
How has fostering changed you or your family?
“Fostering has helped us all to become more understanding and compassionate. It has really brought out the caring nature of my son.
We now use a therapeutic parenting approach, focusing on natural consequences and clear, consistent boundaries. Alongside this, we use a range of strategies to help children regulate their emotions and feel safe and supported.”
Are there any misconceptions about fostering you’d like to address?
“People often tell me they don’t think they could foster because they would find it emotionally challenging when children move on. While it can be difficult, fostering is about keeping the child’s needs at the centre of everything you do.
It is a professional role, and although foster carers have an important voice, decisions are made as part of a wider team. We spend a lot of time learning about child development and psychology, and when it is safe to do so, we work closely with birth families to support positive outcomes for children.”
What support have you received from the local authority / fostering team?
“As a family, we are supported by a supervising social worker and have access to a wide range of training opportunities. These courses are really valuable and help you develop your skills in areas such as therapeutic parenting. My supervising social workers have also taken the time to support my birth son when things have felt challenging, which has meant a lot to us as a family. There are opportunities to connect with other foster carers through support groups and family events, which helps you feel part of a wider community.”
What would you say to someone right now who is thinking, ‘Maybe I could foster’?
“Take time to research fostering and really understand what it involves, but don’t miss this opportunity. It is hard work, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Imagine being able to look back and see how the children you have cared for have grown in confidence and resilience, and know that while they were with you, they were able to enjoy being a child.
The process is thorough and supportive, and if at any point it feels like the wrong path, you can step away. But by exploring fostering, you may discover something truly meaningful.”
Find out more
If Cora’s story has made you think “maybe I could foster”, we’d love to hear from you. Fostering is open to people from all walks of life, and our friendly team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
👉 Learn more about fostering with us and how you could make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
