Children Who Foster
From the 13th –19th October 2025 marks Children of Foster Carers’ Week, an annual campaign led by The Fostering Network. The celebration highlights the vital role played by the children of foster carers, recognising their kindness, resilience and the important part they play in supporting fostering families.
To celebrate this special week, we invited the children of our foster parents to share their own experiences. Below is a heartfelt contribution from Aimee.
Hello my name is Aimee, and this is my review about what it’s like to be a teenager in a fostering family.
Being a teenager in a fostering family is a big part of who I am. For me, life isn’t ‘ordinary’ like my friends. While they go home to the same siblings, my family are welcomed by new changes and beginnings. Young children come into our family with their own stories, hopes and worries. They stay with us long-term. This is long enough to really get to know them, celebrate all our milestones together and create a bond like they’re a part of our family. Every child we welcome into our home will leave a mark on me, as for the duration of our time together, they are like a brother or sister to me.
To be completely honest, it isn’t always easy. Sharing my mammys attention can be hard, especially when the foster children need extra care when settling in. Sometimes I’ve had to give up my space or change routines, which at first made me frustrated. There are many days when the house feels too busy or loud and all I want is some peace and quiet. There are moments that change everything, like a child laughing at a silly joke or simply asking for help with homework or when they call me their ‘sissy’ for the first time. Spending so much time together means there are many moments like this, which reminds me of why what we are doing as a family is so important.
One thing I really love is that because we foster through FCA, I’m always included in everything too. It’s not just about the foster children being supported it’s about me being recognised as part of their journey too. I’ve been on FCA trips to Emerald park, Belfast zoo, the beach, award ceremonies and many more which the whole family is included. I’ve tried activities such as surfing and art classes in Belfast which I probably wouldn’t have ever thought of doing otherwise. Sometimes we just laugh and have fun in places like choir rehearsals and others we share the hardships, but either way it’s so worth it.
What I’ve realised is that FCA makes me feel valued, not just as ‘the foster sister’ but as myself. Being included in all the activities reminds me that I matter, that my voice is important and that I’m not just a person on the side line. I’ve made amazing memories, like laughing until I could barely breathe in a group around a fire at Benone cabins, or cheering on my foster siblings surfing. Moments like that make me proud of our life, even through the challenges.
My fostering experience has been made so much better thanks to the support I receive from Kelly, my social worker, Aimee, the education coordinator and Gillian, the participation officer. Kelly is always there to listen, answer questions, and give me a guide through anything I’m unsure about, which makes me feel safe and supported. Aimee helps with school and learning, making sure I have the resources and advice I need to succeed in school whilst balancing life in a fostering family. Gillian focuses on making sure I can take part in activities and to have a voice in matters that affect me which helps me feel valued and included. Together they make my fostering experience more positive, and help me have confidence and support through every step of the way.
Fostering children has changed me in ways I don’t think I’d have learned anywhere else. It’s taught me to be patient when things get hard, resilience when children come or go, empathy when they tell me their stories or seeing them slowly beginning to feel safe. I’ve learned that sometimes small things like sharing dinner, watching a movie together or sitting with them as they do their homework can make such a big difference.
Goodbyes are definitely the hardest part. After spending so long together, it feels like saying goodbye to a real brother or sister. It hurts to see them move on and I often wonder if I’ll be remembered or even the time we laughed with each other. Even though the sadness there’s a sense of pride as I look through old photos and videos and realise that I was a part of their development and gave them a safe place, and hopefully I was a part of their happy memories that they will carry forward through life.
Being a teenage girl in a fostering family isn’t always simple, but it’s something that I wouldn’t change. It’s taught me that family isn’t always about who you’re related to, it’s about who you care for and welcome into your life. It’s shown me that love can be shared and that even small acts of kindness can change someone’s world. Because of FCA, I feel just as included and supported as anyone else, which makes me proud not only of my family, but also of myself.
