It’s Never Too Late to Make a Difference
John became a foster parent in 2024, after more than 30 years in a career that no longer felt right. What he did know was this: the parts of his job he enjoyed most were always about people. He wanted to make a difference in a more direct, meaningful way, and fostering gave him that opportunity.
Today, John is a single parent from Doncaster, supporting three young people aged 15, 14 and 11. His story is a powerful reminder that fostering teenagers can be deeply rewarding – and that it’s never too late to take a new path.
Taking the first step
Like many people, John didn’t know much about fostering when he started looking into it. If you’re in the same position, that’s completely normal.
“I knew nothing about it,” he says. “So I asked for information from three different agencies.”
After speaking to different teams, John chose FCA because he felt a strong sense of support – for both him and the young people he would care for. That feeling of being backed up matters, especially when you’re starting something new.
If you’re considering fostering, it’s okay to take your time, ask questions, and find the right fit for you.
Why fostering teenagers matters
John is passionate about encouraging more people to foster older children and teenagers – an age group that’s often overlooked due to common misconceptions.
Many young people entering care at this stage have experienced trauma. John speaks openly about this, but also about the difference a stable, caring environment can make.
“Most young adults that I’ve come across have suffered trauma—anyone with over 4 ACEs will follow a predetermined path unless there is positive intervention.”
“If you can break that cycle, then why not?” he says.
ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are ten types of early trauma, including abuse, neglect, and growing up in households affected by things like domestic violence, substance misuse, or mental health challenges.
Each experience counts as one ACE. When a young person has four or more, they’re at a much higher risk of facing emotional and developmental difficulties especially without the right support.
For many children in care, this is part of their story. But with consistent care, understanding, and a stable home, foster parents can provide that positive intervention John talks about – helping young people feel safe, build resilience, and move forward.
Rather than seeing challenges, John sees potential. With the right support, teenagers can grow in confidence, build independence, and move towards positive futures – whether that’s university, work, or apprenticeships.
And as a foster parent, you get to be part of that journey.
Supporting independence and life skills
One of the young people John cared for arrived at 15 with a clear goal: to move into semi-independent living. Together, they worked towards that over 12 months.
John introduced practical steps to help build confidence, like managing a weekly budget.
“We worked through how you could live on £30 – which is not easy,” he explains.
By the time the young person moved on, he understood how to budget, manage bills, and take responsibility for day-to-day life. These are skills many young people learn gradually – but for those in care, having someone to guide them can make all the difference.
The moments that matter
While fostering involves practical support, it’s often the emotional moments that stay with you.
John recalls receiving a small birthday gift from one of the young people – a simple token with a message that meant everything.
“He said, ‘You’re the best dad I’ve ever had.’”
It’s a reminder that even small acts of care, consistency and kindness can have a lasting impact.
What makes a good foster parent?
John keeps it simple: “The most important quality is to listen. Don’t lecture – just listen.”
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is being present, patient, and willing to understand a young person’s experiences.
It’s also natural to feel unsure or even a little nervous about fostering, especially when thinking about teenagers. But support is always there, and you’re never expected to do it alone.
Building strong foundations
John compares fostering to building a house: “If you tried to build a house without a foundation, it would fall over. They’re just starting to build their life – and you’re going to provide that foundation.”
That foundation might be stability, encouragement, routine, or simply someone who listens. Over time, those things help young people grow into independent, confident adults.
Could you make a difference?
If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could be right for you, especially supporting older children – John’s story shows what’s possible.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care, to listen, and to be willing to take that first step.
And when you do, you may find, like John did, that it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.
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