For Cathryn and Bryan, fostering wasn’t a sudden decision, it was something the couple had talked about for years…
Living in North Yorkshire with their two sons, both of whom are autistic, they had gained a deep understanding of caring for children with additional needs. As they watched their boys grow, they often found themselves thinking about the children who didn’t have the same stability, support and love around them.
“We thought about it before, a few years ago, but I was in the army,” Bryan explains.
At the time, frequent deployments meant the couple knew fostering wasn’t the right step yet. Cathryn was already balancing family life and her role as a teaching assistant, and together they agreed to wait until they could fully commit to welcoming another child into their home.
It was when Bryan left the army and moved into a new career, the timing finally felt right, and Cathryn began researching fostering agencies and came across FCA.
“One day I got in from work and Cathryn said, ‘I’ve got a call booked with FCA tonight – attending one of their virtual fostering information events.’”
Building on the experience they already had
As parents of two autistic children, Cathryn and Bryan were already experienced in advocating for children, navigating education and healthcare services, and providing consistent support through challenges.
Rather than seeing this experience as unusual, they viewed it as something that could help another child thrive.
“We’ve become very resilient. You have to be an advocate for your children and fight their corner.”
When they began the assessment process, they felt reassured that FCA recognised the strengths their family could bring to fostering. “They looked at us as a whole family and what we could offer.”
Preparing for a new chapter
Like many prospective foster parents, Cathryn and Bryan had plenty of questions before welcoming a child into their home.
The training and assessment process helped them better understand the realities of fostering, while also giving them confidence in their decision. “We didn’t know exactly what to expect, but everything was explained really well.”
Throughout the process, they also felt supported by their supervising social worker and the wider FCA team. Cathryn said: “You never feel like you’re doing it on your own.”
While the paperwork and preparation were thorough, they understood why. Bryan explained: “They’re placing vulnerable children with families, so you want them to be thorough.”
Welcoming a child into their family
Not long after they were approved as foster parents in December 2024, Cathryn and Bryan were matched with a five-year-old boy.
From the beginning, they focused on helping him feel safe, settled and part of the family. When he arrived, life looked very different for the young boy now thriving in their care.
“He had been out of school for six months because no school would accept him,” Cathryn explains. “He struggled emotionally, lacked confidence and had missed many of the everyday childhood experiences most children take for granted.”
Before he started school, the family concentrated on helping him build confidence and enjoy some of those experiences for the first time.
“We got to share all those experiences with him before he went to school. We spent time walking, swimming, exploring and simply helping him build confidence in the world around him.”
Finding the right school was not straightforward, but Cathryn was determined to advocate for him.
“Getting him into school wasn’t easy. Every local school initially refused to take him, but you’ve got to advocate for a child, especially to get things in place, because otherwise nothing happens.”
Throughout the process, FCA provided support. “There was a lady called Philippa [education lead]. She was really good when we were trying to get him into school. She was amazing.”
Today, Cathryn and Bryan can see just how far he has come. “Academically, he’s just brilliant. He’s very, very clever.”
Bryan has also watched a remarkable transformation in his confidence. “To think that he didn’t even want to go to the shop. Now he’ll run across Dartmoor, climb hills and just get involved in everything. The difference is there. How far he’s come is incredible.”
For the couple, it’s often the smaller moments that mean the most.
“It’s the little things that make you realise how much progress they’ve made.”
The impact on the whole family
Welcoming a child into their home naturally brought changes for everyone, including their two sons.
“It was a shock to the system at first because just having that one extra person is a massive change,” Cathryn admits.
But it didn’t take long for family relationships to develop.
“They just class him as their brother,” she says. “And he classifies them as his brothers. He also calls us Mum and Dad now.”
Today, family life looks much like it does in any household with three boys. “It’s just like a normal brother relationship. They’ll play together and then Jake will be like, ‘Right, I’ve had enough. Out you get, out my room.’”
For Cathryn and Bryan, fostering has had a profound impact on the whole family.
“It’s taught all of us something. It’s made us appreciate what a difference a stable family can make.”
The experience has been so positive that the couple are now preparing to welcome another child into their family while continuing to provide a permanent home for the little boy who first joined them.
Being honest about fostering
Cathryn and Bryan are passionate advocates for fostering, but they also believe it’s important to give people a realistic picture of what the role involves.
“I do think it’s a positive thing, and I know we need more people to do it. But there needs to be a balance where we’re honest about both the challenges and the rewards.”
For them, fostering isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing to learn; adapt and provide a child with the support they need.
“You don’t need to know everything from day one. You learn as you go, and there’s support there when you need it.”
Could you make a difference?
Their advice to anyone considering fostering is simple: if it’s something you’ve been thinking about, don’t dismiss the possibility.
Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, supported and valued. By opening your home, you could help change a child’s life and discover just how much fostering can change yours too.
Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people by becoming a foster parent?
Call us today on 0800 098 4156or submit an enquiry form to learn more about fostering with FCA.
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