On the fence about whether you should foster or adopt?
In the latest episode of the Let’s Talk About Fostering podcast, host Faye sits down with Tim Jarvis, a bearded biker, former doorman, and business owner who has lived experience of both fostering and adoption.
He and his wife Claire have been fostering for 14 years and currently have a teenager in their care, alongside raising their adopted daughter and biological son. Tim shares his insights into fostering, adoption, and what it’s like to be an unconventional foster parent.
What do Faye and Tim chat about?
Tim provides an honest account of what it’s like to foster vs. adopt and how they differ – from assessments and family time arrangements to life story work and support.
If you’re ready to hear Tim’s take, tune in to him talking to Faye about:
- What inspired him and Claire to foster
- Fostering below the UK average age of 54
- What it’s like to be an unconventional foster parent
- The importance of diversity in fostering
- The dynamic between Tim and his foster daughter
- From only fostering teenagers to adopting the baby they fostered
- Tim’s advice on how to decide between fostering and adoption
- The key differences between fostering and adoption
- The truth about the fostering assessment
- The reality of adoption
- Helping a child understand their past
- Nurturing a sense of identity in foster kids
- Talking to birth children about adoption
- Quick fire questions
- Traits of a good foster parent
- Treating every child in the home the same
- Advice for prospective adopters and foster parents
- Who can foster
- Tim’s favourite moment so far
“Anyone, anywhere can foster a child… and make an amazing difference.”
Click here to watch – or search ‘Let’s Talk About Fostering’ on your chosen podcast platform.
Are you ready to make a difference?
If you’d like to learn more about fostering with FCA, call us today on 0800 023 4561 or submit your details via our online form.
Whether you have specific questions or just want to find out more about the support, training, and allowances we offer here at FCA, our team are ready to help you.
You can also discover what it’s really like to be a foster parent by listening to our other podcast episodes, reading our foster parent stories, and checking out our latest news and blogs.
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