Tracy, from Southport in Merseyside, started fostering with her husband in 2022
When her birth children grew older and became more independent, she felt a shift at home, that familiar “empty nest” feeling and knew she was ready for a new challenge.
“When my birth children left home, it was like a bit of an empty nest,” she says. “They went to high school, became more independent, and I wanted a new career in childcare. So, I looked into fostering, got some information, found out about it… had lots of appointments, found out loads of details, and then decided to give it a go.”
Tracy’s introduction to fostering
Tracy’s first three years as a foster parent were with her local authority in Shropshire. But after relocating to the North West, she felt ready for a fresh start.
“On our relocation, I got in touch with a foster carer who recommended FCA,” she explains. “So I got in touch with the agency. Somebody came round, we had a chat, and we went through the process again and joined FCA North West.”
Keeping siblings together
Their first foster child was part of a sibling group, but only one child could be placed with them at the time. It made a lasting impact.
“We saw the grief of a child who’d been separated from her siblings,” Tracy says. “So when she left our care, we decided we wanted a bigger family home so we could foster sibling groups. We wanted to keep them together.”
That decision shaped everything that came next. Now Tracy and her husband care for three sisters, aged seven, eight and nine. “I’ve had them for the last three years,” she says proudly. “They’re long-term matched with me.”
Watching children thrive
For Tracy, the real highlights of fostering are the moments of growth.
“The highlights of fostering, I’d say, are seeing the child thrive, grow and smile in your care,” she says. “To know that they can be happy and get on with their lives and still have contact with their birth family.”
One teenager stands out in her mind.
“She came into care having lots of difficulties at school. Through care, nurture and help, we got her back into a mainstream school. We got her the help she needed — the diagnoses she needed. She was actually dyslexic, but she’d been classed as a naughty child, a distracted child. With support, she sat her exams. That was a massive change.”
“The support with FCA is absolutely amazing.”
When Tracy talks about FCA, she doesn’t hesitate. “The support with FCA is absolutely amazing — one of the main reasons we made the decision to go with this agency,” she says.
And the support comes in all shapes and sizes.
“It’s foster carer get-togethers, activities they put on for the children — including birth families. We have monthly support groups in the North West. We meet at the Chorley office. There’s always something going on.”
Her advice to others?
“If you’re thinking about fostering, I’d say give FCA a call. They’ll answer any questions you have on the phone. You can find out so much from them that you’ll want to have a go.
“Just give it a try. Just give it a try.”
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