When Tiffany and her partner Martin began thinking about starting a family, they had no idea where the journey would lead them.

What started as a search for answers became something much bigger – a chance to change children’s lives, while building a family of their own.

Now fostering two young sisters, Tiffany reflects on how the experience has reshaped her perspective, the joy found in everyday moments, and the support that has helped her grow in confidence along the way.

Starting the journey with FCA

Tiffany has always loved children, but on learning that she was unable to have children of her own, she and her partner, Martin, researched other options to grow their family.

Their fostering journey began in 2024. The couple had always loved the idea of fostering and getting to help a child. They thought about taking the next step over a few years before deciding that now was the right time to do it.

“Me and my partner were trying to conceive for a couple of years. It wasn’t working out for us, so we discussed our options, which was adoption or fostering. So I sat one night and started researching fostering; found out more about it, looked at the brochure, and we decided that fostering was just the best route for us.”

Like many prospective foster parents, they took time to research, understand the process, and find an agency that felt right. For Tiffany, finding a supportive, welcoming environment was key – somewhere they could feel confident as they took this important step.

“We found FCA online and they had great reviews. Everyone was discussing how much it was like a family feel, and everyone at the agency helps out rather than just the one person. So we were just sold on FCA. The whole process took us 6 months, but once you get approved the feeling is unbelievable.”

The small things that make a difference

Since welcoming two young siblings into their home, Tiffany has discovered that fostering is often about the moments that might seem small to others – but mean everything to a child.

Creating new experiences, building routines, and simply being present have all played a part in helping the girls settle and feel safe. These everyday moments have also had a lasting impact on Tiffany, shifting her perspective and deepening her appreciation for the little things in life.

“Every small moment makes fostering special. The girls moved in with us mid-summer holidays, so we took them to the beach, and we found out that it was their first time. Seeing their faces light up – in the sand, building sandcastles, just being themselves and having so much fun – was incredible.”

“Fostering has made me realise that there’s more to life than everyone thinks. The children coming into care have had a very different upbringing to me, and it’s made me realise that even the little things are phenomenal to other people.

“Having a sit-down dinner every day with the kids – something that they might not have had growing up – and they really appreciate those kinds of things, so it makes me appreciate it a lot more as well. Seeing the girls happy at the very little things kind of makes it more emotional.”

What being a foster parent is like

Life as a foster parent can be busy and, at times, unpredictable – but it’s also full of purpose and routine. For Tiffany, each day brings a balance of structure and spontaneity, shaped around the needs of the children.

From school runs and after-school activities to appointments and contact with family, fostering involves many different aspects. But within that, there is a rhythm that develops over time – one that allows children to feel secure and supported.

“A typical day for us is pretty plain sailing. They’ve got after-school clubs. They have appointments, life story work, and things like that. It can be chaos but it’s good chaos.”

It’s this “good chaos” that often defines fostering – a busy, lively home where children are given the space to grow, explore, and simply be themselves. And, over time, in amongst that busyness, is where children heal and the changes are made that set them on a path toward a brighter future.

FCA’s support and training

Having the right support network is essential in fostering, and for Tiffany, the sense of community within FCA has made a significant difference to her experience.

From day one, she has felt surrounded by people who are approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping foster parents succeed. This ongoing support provides reassurance, particularly in those moments when advice or guidance is needed.

“The support in FCA is amazing. Everyone in the agency is helpful. You have your social worker, support groups, a network of other foster parents, the other social workers in the team, but also even the manager to support you. Everyone’s just lovely and friendly and so supportive.”

Alongside this, the training offered has helped Tiffany continue to grow in her role, building both her skills and her confidence.

“The training that FCA are able to provide is amazing, especially the therapeutic parenting courses. The team guide you towards training they think will suit you. It’s also really flexible so it’s easy to fit the courses around your day or around work.”

With access to tailored training and a strong support network, Tiffany feels equipped to navigate the challenges of fostering while continuing to provide the best possible care for the children in her home.

“The training and support has really helped build my confidence. It’s helped my confidence in every aspect of fostering.”

Tiffany’s advice

For anyone considering fostering, Tiffany encourages taking that first step – even if there are uncertainties along the way. Like many foster parents, she understands that it can feel like a big decision, but believes that finding out more is the best place to start.

Fostering may not always be easy, but for Tiffany, it has been a journey filled with meaning, growth, and moments that truly matter.

“If anyone’s thinking about fostering, just look into it. If there is anything that you’re a bit worried about, ask. Just look into it, download a brochure, book someone to come out and have a little chat with you – and do it!”

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

More fostering stories:

June 1 2026

“You feel heard, you feel supported, you feel listened to if you need anything.”

Michaela is a single foster carer whose journey began after adopting her eldest son and later choosing to foster a younger child in her care. She shares how the support and family feel of FCA has helped her make a real difference in the life of a child in her care.

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May 12 2026

Fostering with Love, Community and Purpose: Claudia’s Story

Read Claudia’s fostering story with FCA. Inspired by her own childhood, she shares how fostering has helped her create a loving home where children feel safe, supported and part of a family.

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May 1 2026

John’s fostering story: building strong foundations for young people in care

After 30 years in a career that no longer felt right, John made a life-changing decision to become a foster parent. Now a single carer supporting three young people, his story shows that fostering teenagers can be incredibly rewarding and that it’s never too late to choose a more meaningful path.

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April 15 2026

“I wish I’d started earlier because it is absolutely the best thing you can do.”

Between them, Linda and Jayne have nearly 30 years of fostering experience. Both foster as single carers and began their journeys after their own children had grown up and left home.

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April 1 2026

Steve’s Fostering Story: “I Just Wanted to Give Something Back”

Steve has been fostering with FCA for six years. After a lifetime of supporting children and young people, he decided after retirement to take the next step and provide a safe, stable home for those who needed it most.

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March 26 2026

“Fostering puts you up there like a superhero, as if it’s not something ‘ordinary’ people can do”: Refer a Friend Story

Claire shares her fostering story, and how referring her mum to foster helped change lives, creating stronger support networks and more loving homes for children.

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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.

Which of the following applies to you?*

How can we help you with your enquiry?*

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?*

Are you happy to receive regular fostering news from us?*

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