Jamila and Shakila’s Fostering Story
Jamila and Shakila are sisters based in the West Midlands who share a deep commitment to fostering. Shakila has been fostering for 15 years, while Jamila has been fostering for 6 years, and together they have supported a number of children, including sibling groups.
For them, fostering isn’t just something they do – it has become part of their family life, shaped by shared experiences, support, and a commitment to helping children feel safe and valued.
Deciding to foster
For Shakila, fostering was something she had thought about for a long time before taking the first step.
“We were thinking about it…once the children were old enough to understand what fostering is, we then we took the step and we’ve just never looked back.”
Over time, her experience inspired her sister Jamila, who had already been supporting her as part of a wider family network and had a professional background in education.
“Jamila was interested in fostering from the very beginning, she just has a love for children.”
When the opportunity finally came, Jamila didn’t hesitate: “Fostering felt like something I really wanted to do, so I saved up to move into a larger home with more space and I’ve been fostering ever since.”
Having seen fostering up close, she felt more confident taking that next step. “It was much less scary, because I already knew what it was like.”
Starting the journey
Like many people considering fostering, both sisters had questions at the beginning. But having access to real experiences and honest conversations helped them feel reassured in their decision.
They emphasise how important it is to speak to people who understand fostering first-hand, as it gives a clearer and more realistic picture of what to expect – both the positives and the challenges.
The difference of fostering with FCA
For Jamila and Shakila, having the right support around them has made all the difference.
“FCA have always been supportive, they always ask, ‘What do you need?’”
They both highlight how important it is to feel part of a wider network of carers and professionals. “It’s nice to talk to other carers and realise, okay – this is normal.”
Knowing that help is always available brings reassurance, particularly during more challenging moments. “There’s always someone there for you – you’re not on your own.”
If you’re thinking about fostering and want to understand the support available, you can find out more here:
Understanding children’s needs
A key part of fostering is recognising that children’s behaviour often reflects their experiences. “There’s always a reason behind the behaviour.”
Both sisters emphasise the importance of empathy, patience and understanding, particularly when children are adjusting to a new environment. “You have to persevere and be emotionally strong.”
Over time, training and experience help carers understand how best to respond and support each child individually.
Jamila and Shakila are open about the fact that fostering can be challenging at times, but they also emphasise that challenges are a natural part of caring for any child. “You’re going to get challenges, but don’t you get challenges with your own children?”
They encourage others to approach challenges with patience and to make use of the support available. “You work with the child, understand what’s happening, and there’s support.”
Their perspective helps normalise the ups and downs, reassuring others that they won’t face them alone.
A wider family approach
Over time, fostering has become something shared across their wider family, with other relatives also becoming involved. “It makes me feel happy – knowing more children are being supported.”
They believe that talking openly about fostering helps others feel more confident in taking that first step. “You have to be honest, tell people the reality and the support that’s there.”
By sharing their experiences, they’ve helped others see that fostering is something they could do too.
For both sisters, the most meaningful moments in fostering are often the smallest ones. “Sometimes it’s just sitting there and seeing happy, content children.”
They speak about the importance of everyday connection – the moments that show a child is beginning to feel safe, settled and part of a family. “You’ll find something rewarding every single day.”
These moments, whether big or small, are what make fostering so meaningful.
Thinking about fostering?
Jamila encourages people who are interested to seek out more information about fostering.
“My brother also became a foster parent and our mum and dad love being extra grandparents to these wonderful children. We’ve become a fostering family! I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
“I don’t think anyone would regret fostering, once they’ve taken that leap of faith.”
“Come join us.”
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