Claire has been fostering alongside her partner, James, for 5 years. The have two teenage boys of their own and are currently caring for three teenage boys through FCA Midlands.

The couple decided to foster to help make a difference to vulnerable children and young people. Claire works as a Police Officer and she and James both have direct experience of the impact of trauma on children.

“We have two children of our own and comparing their starts in life to that of some much less fortunate, we wanted to open our home and hearts to help others.”

Through fostering, Claire and her family have not only changed children’s lives but their own as well. Being a foster parent is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and it brings so much to your life.

“Fostering has brought enrichment to our lives. There is nothing better than seeing the difference you have made to a young person’s life.”

Referring people to foster

Many people aren’t very familiar with fostering and how crucial foster parents are in transforming children’s lives, so it has a huge impact when current foster families share their story and spread the word of fostering. Through a simple conversation or recommendation to someone, you can open up doors for more children to find the loving home they deserve.

Claire has referred her mum to fostering, who is now also able to make a difference to children and young people.

“My mum originally didn’t consider fostering. I referred my mum and her partner as foster carers when our young person needed to move to another placement. My mum stepped up to help without hesitation, which made the transition so much easier for him as he was comfortable with her and could still maintain a relationship with us as a family. The young person has since returned home and we are all still in touch. It makes me proud to hear him reflecting on his experiences fondly with us and then in my mum’s care.

“Before this, she didn’t have the courage or thought to go through the process of becoming a foster parent. Now they are caring for another foster child, and the young person is so happy to have been matched long term with them.”

There are thousands of children waiting for a safe and loving home, alongside a huge shortage of foster parents out there to care for them. For each and every foster parent who refers someone else to start fostering, it means another child in need who can be helped.

Referring someone to foster is a much simpler process than many people realise – often just starting with keeping fostering in mind when around friends and family, and a simple conversation to get the ball rolling.

Claire said “The referral process is very easy – just a submission needed via the FCA website with the person’s details.

“I usually promote fostering to others by taking away that magic cape that people like to think you have by being a foster carer.

“Fostering is normally met with comments like ‘it’s so amazing you do that, you’re an angel’ and really putting you up there like a superhero, as if it’s not something ‘ordinary’ people can do.

“You might not think it, but a simple conversation opens up those doors, thoughts and considerations of others. People have preconceived ideas (usually negative) around fostering and, with your lived experience, you are able to clear up some of those myths. Many people I have spoken to think it’s not an option if they work full time, I have been able to set that record straight as a full-time working mum and carer.

“As long as you have a spare bedroom, the time, patience and compassion, and can offer stability with some fun along the way, it’s most certainly something most people can do. I offer a balanced view, sharing the positives alongside some of the challenges – but, by far, the positives outweigh any of the challenges we have had along the way.”

The difference of ‘referring a friend’

Claire has seen both sides of referring people to foster – the easy, straightforward process to refer, and the difference that referral can make further down the line.

“I would say to other foster carers to consider your friendship groups, family, colleagues etc. Look at the qualities they have and what they could offer to young people and talk through the possibility of being a foster carer and what the role entails. There is nothing for you to lose.”

“By referring into the agency, it also expands your support network. We enjoy the FCA fun days and support groups as a family. There is also a referral fee for carers for each person you successfully refer to fostering.”

Claire said “It’s important to keep an open mind and refer people to fostering wherever possible. There are not enough carers and so there are children that need our help.

“By referring my mum, I have seen several young people in her care thrive. I know the start she provided for me, and that they are all in good hands. It makes me proud to see the children happy – and it’s provided my mum with a new-found purpose.”

Claire would tell anyone who fosters to consider referring others who may make great foster parents.

“I would say do not hesitate to refer someone who may be interested – all you need to do is submit their details and the agency will do the rest. There is nothing to lose, and perhaps a loving home for a young person to gain.”

Know someone interested in becoming a foster parent? Refer them to FCA via our online form.

If you are interested in finding out more about fostering, please get in touch with our team and we’ll provide more information.

More fostering stories:

March 10 2026

Pauline’s Fostering Story: “Now Was the Time”

Pauline was approved as a foster parent in October 2024. She fosters with her husband Mark in Suffolk, and they currently care for two children aged 10 and 12 on a short-term basis.

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February 24 2026

“As long as the kids thrive – that’s what matters.”

Andrew and his wife Mary, from Gateshead in the North East, became approved foster parents with FCA in September 2024. Since then, their home has welcomed several children, and they are currently caring for a 17-year-old young person and two siblings aged four and six, alongside their own 11-year-old daughter and two energetic chihuahuas.

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January 13 2026

Debbie’s 15 Years of Fostering

Debbie has been fostering with FCA North West for 15 years. Over that time, she’s cared for many different children – from young babies and parent and child placements right through to older teenagers.

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January 2 2026

From Empty Nest to a Full Home – Tracy’s Fostering Story

Tracy shares how fostering with FCA helped her turn an empty nest into a loving home, keeping siblings together and helping children thrive.

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December 23 2025

Annette and Gerry’s Journey into Fostering

Annette and her husband Gerry have been fostering with FCA Northern Ireland since 2020. Here is their fostering story.

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December 17 2025

From Teaching to Fostering, a Worthwhile Transition

Alison, a foster parent with FCA South East, shares her journey from teaching to fostering.

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Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to one of our friendly fostering advisors, get in touch with us today.

Enquiry Form

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

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The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?*

Have you had any prior experience of fostering, such as being a foster parent or growing up in a fostering family?*

Have you ever adopted a child?*

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