Michaela’s Fostering Story
Michaela’s fostering journey began after she adopted her eldest son and later decided to open her home to another child. As a single foster parent, she has been fully supported by FCA’s wider team and support network, challenging the misconception that you need to be in a relationship to foster.
Michaela shares how feeling supported from day one has helped her provide stability, care, and a true sense of family for a young boy in her care…
Taking the first step into fostering
From a young age, Michaela had always thought about fostering or adopting. It wasn’t a sudden decision, but something that stayed with her until the time felt right. “I’d always thought of either adopting or fostering,” she explains.
After adopting her eldest son, now 16, the idea of growing her family continued. It was something her and her son they talked about together. “He’d been talking to me for ages… ‘I really want to have a baby brother or sister.’”
As her son became more independent, Michaela began to feel that the timing was right. “I thought, actually, yeah, now is the right time to foster.”
Like many people considering fostering, Michaela explored her options carefully. She spoke to both a local authority and an independent agency before making her decision.
“I did actually explore the local authority as well, and it was just chalk and cheese.”
What stood out to her was the feeling she got early on – something that can be hard to explain, but easy to recognise when it’s there.
“You just got that feeling of it being very sincere and that you’re going to have somebody by your side.”
If you’re at the beginning of your own journey, it’s completely natural to compare options and take your time. Feeling supported and understood from the start can make a real difference.
FCA Support
For Michaela, one of the biggest positives of her fostering journey has been the level of support she’s experienced.
“You feel heard, you feel supported, you feel listened to if you need anything.”
She also noticed how connected the team felt, not just to her, but to the children in their care.
“When they talked about children, they all knew the children, even if they weren’t the assigned social worker.”
That sense of familiarity and shared understanding helped her feel reassured that she wasn’t alone, even outside of regular hours. “You know that somebody would know who you are, who your child is.”
For Michaela, one of the biggest misconceptions she has experienced is the idea that fostering is only suitable for couples. Her journey shows otherwise.
As a single carer, she has been supported not just practically, but emotionally and professionally too – helping her feel confident in her role and decisions.
“You feel like you’re being given the tools to be able to understand the types of children, the processes, why you need to do certain things the way you do.”
That consistent support has been especially important when navigating the needs of the child in her care today.
Learning and adapting along the way
Fostering can bring new experiences, even if you’ve cared for children before. Michaela reflects on how each child is different, and how important it is to stay open and adaptable.
“You can’t just think you know, because you’ve got to adapt to what the child’s presenting at the time.”
She describes how her current child’s needs differed from her first, particularly around behaviour, and how support was there when she needed it – sometimes without even having to ask. “You didn’t need to ask for support.”
The moments that matter
Alongside practical support, it’s often the small, thoughtful moments that make a lasting impact. “Just the little touches, like recognising birthdays and popping in with an Easter egg, it’s really lovely that FCA support the kids.”
Michaela also values how her whole family is included. Her eldest son has been able to take part in activities and feel part of the wider fostering community.
“He absolutely loved it, they just said it was a pleasure having him.”
For Michaela, one of the most meaningful parts of fostering has been seeing her child settle and truly feel at home.
“To see him settled, enjoying being with us, wanting to stay – that’s been incredible. He’s just part of the family now.”
Looking back, Michaela feels confident in the decision she made.
“Choosing to foster with FCA has been the best decision ever. If I hadn’t of started my fostering journey, I wouldn’t have met my little guy, and he wouldn’t be becoming part of the family as well.”
Could You Foster?
If you’d like more information about becoming a foster parent with FCA or the support we offer single foster parents, we’d love to hear from you. Enquire with us today to learn more, or read more stories from real-life foster parents about their experiences.
More fostering stories:
Looking for a new career path?
Find out how you can make a difference…
By Phone
Call a member of our friendly fostering team and they’ll be able to answer all your questions
By Email
Email our team by completing our online enquiry form
Live chat
Have a chat with one of our dedicated fostering professionals
Visit an office
We are always happy for you to pop in for a chat