Parent and Child Fostering – A Carer’s Story 

After working as an electrician for 33 years, I reached a point where I felt ready for a new direction—something meaningful, something that would challenge me in a different way. My wife and I had talked about fostering for years, and eventually we made the decision to take the plunge and see where it would lead us.

As a male primary carer, I’ll admit that I had my reservations at first. Would I be accepted in the role? Would young people feel comfortable with me? But after the encouragement and reassurance from our family and fostering agency, those doubts slowly faded. We realised that what mattered most was offering a stable, supportive, and caring environment. With that mindset, we embraced the journey ahead.

Our very first placement was a young mother and her baby—an opportunity we hadn’t initially set out for, but one that turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Helping mum build confidence, learn routines, and find her own approach to parenting became a real privilege. We shared laughs, had our challenges, and watched her grow day by day. Seeing her move on to semi-independence with her little one was a proud moment for all of us.

Years later, it still brings a smile to my face when she rings for advice—whether she’s stuck on a recipe or needs a quick DIY tip for her home. It’s a reminder that the connections made in fostering don’t just end when a placement ends; sometimes they carry on in the most natural and meaningful ways.

Our second placement was very different: a young mum and her two little boys. This brought a new level of complexity and required close work with a whole team of professionals. Sadly, we eventually had to say goodbye to the mum, which was an emotional and difficult part of the journey. But the boys stayed with us, and the role shifted again—another change, another challenge, and another opportunity to make a difference.

Watching the boys grow, learn, and truly become part of our family has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Each milestone, each new skill, each burst of confidence reminds us why fostering is so valuable and why we chose this path.

Fostering really is a roller coaster—full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. There are emotional moments, joyful moments, and everything in between. But above all, there is an overwhelming sense of pride in watching children and young parents develop, heal, and thrive. Looking back, we often say we wish we had made this leap years earlier.

With ongoing training and the unwavering support of our fostering agency, we feel prepared for whatever comes next. Although it’s always bittersweet when a placement comes to an end, we look to the future with open minds and open hearts, ready for the next chapter and the new lives we may have the privilege to support.