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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 26

  • Joanne and McPhil’s fostering story

    Two years into their fostering journey with us, Joanne and McPhil have already made a lasting difference to the children they’ve cared for. They’re sharing their story in the hope it encourages you to consider opening your home to children who need care.

    Real-life stories
    Fostering

  • Ewan’s experience of being fostered

    For more than five years, Ewan, has been fostered by Lesley and Michael. Read about how they've helped change his life for the better.

    Real-life stories
    Fostering

  • Making a difference: Mandy and Tyrone’s fostering story

    For more than 22 years, Mandy and Tyrone have opened their hearts and their home in South Wales to children who need a safe and loving place to call home. Read about some of the challenges and rewards they’ve experienced, as well as their advice based on two decades of fostering.

    Real-life stories
    Fostering

  • Jeanette’s foster care story

    For more than 12 years, Jeanette has been a foster carer with Barnardo’s, opening her home to children and young people who needed stability, care and a place to feel safe. Her story is one many people thinking about fostering will recognise: curiosity, nerves, a big first step and a journey that changed lives, including her own.

    Real-life stories
    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.

    Real-life stories
    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.

    Real-life stories
    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.

    Real-life stories
    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.

    Real-life stories
    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.

Young boy on see-saw

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.

Young girl smiling at camera in garden

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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