Fostering stories

Read and watch fostering stories

We welcome foster carers from all walks of life, and all backgrounds.

Below, a few of our foster carers talk about their experience of fostering with Barnardo's in a selection of written accounts and videos.

Showing 1 - 10 of 22

Learn about the help and support we provide foster carers like Sharon

Sharon and her husband Andrew have been fostering with us for 10 years. Learn about why they became foster carers, how we’ve supported them, and Sharon's advice if you’re considering fostering.
Fostering
How fosters carers help prepare children to be adopted

Anamica and Prashan, adopted their son Neel through us. They had such a positive experience with the foster parents who looked after him before his adoption they asked them to be Neel’s godparents. Learn about the role foster carers play in helping children get ready for adoption.
Adoption, Fostering
The reality of being a short-break or respite foster carer

Jane L and Jane H are foster carers who specialise in providing short break foster care, which used to be known as respite care, for children with special educational needs (SEN). Read about their experiences.
Fostering
How fostering to adopt gave baby Charlie a secure, loving home

Early Permanence (sometimes called EP) is an umbrella term which covers both Fostering for Adoption and Concurrent Planning. Find out how baby Charlie found a loving home with Cheryl and Zoe through Fostering for Adoption.
Adoption, Fostering
Jem’s magical fostering moment

When you foster a child or young person, you have the opportunity to give them experiences they may never have had before. That’s what happened to Jem.
Fostering
“I’ve been absolutely rewarded doing it” – Patricia and Robert’s experience

Robert and Patricia, from the Northeast, have been short break and emergency foster carers since 2012.
Fostering
Sharon and Tim’s experience of fostering

Tim and Sharon are great examples of how rewarding fostering can be. Although there are challenges along the way, the positive difference fostering has made to theirs and numerous children’s, lives makes it worthwhile.
Fostering
Sarah and Chris share their experiences of fostering

Sarah and Chris Williams became foster parents 15 years ago and now, having given a loving home to their sixth child in care, the rewards keep on coming.
Fostering
How fostering gave retired couple Brian and Jean a new lease of life

Brian and Jean never imagined spending their retirement years being 'mum and dad' for an entirely new family, but now they wouldn't have it any other way.
Fostering
"There’s a family feel to fostering with Barnardo’s”

Gillian and Megan are sisters-in-law with 13 children and several years of fostering experience between them. Read their thoughts on welcoming children into their family homes.
Fostering

Two adoptive fathers smiling with their two sons

LGBT Fostering stories

A few of our LGBT+ foster carers talk about their experience of fostering with Barnardo's in a selection of written accounts and videos.

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Types of foster care

There are many different kinds of foster care, specific to each child's situation. Find out more about the many ways you can provide care for a child who needs your help.

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Enquire about fostering

The first step towards joining the Barnardo's family is getting in touch. Complete our online form or find details about alternative contact methods here.

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