The difference of fostering with FCA

For Rosane, having the right support around her has made all the difference, particularly as a single foster parent who also works alongside fostering. From day one, she has felt part of a wider fostering community that is there whenever she needs advice, guidance or reassurance.

“The support I receive from FCA has been invaluable, particularly as a single foster carer. From the very beginning, I’ve felt that I am part of a team rather than doing this alone. Everyone is approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcomes for the children. Knowing that there is always someone available to offer advice, guidance, or simply a listening ear provides enormous reassurance.”

“I especially value the relationship I have with my supervising social worker. I trust her completely and know that I can reach out whenever I need advice, whether I’m navigating a challenge or simply seeking reassurance that I’m on the right track. Having that trusted relationship has helped me feel more confident in my role and has made a significant difference to my experience as a foster carer.”

“Fostering can be emotionally demanding at times, but the support network provided by FCA helps you feel understood, valued, and never alone.”

Fostering as a single foster parent

Many people assume fostering as a single person would be difficult, but Rosane believes it reinforces that families come in all shapes and sizes.

“Being a single foster parent has certainly brought challenges, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve gone from being a single parent of one to being a single parent of four – it’s multitasking on a completely different level!”

“Of course, there is no one else to share the day-to-day responsibilities, so organisation, flexibility and resilience are essential. Some days can feel like managing a small business, a taxi company, a restaurant, and a counselling service all at the same time!”

“At the same time, being a single foster parent has been incredibly empowering. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, rely on the support available to me, and create a stable, loving, and nurturing environment for the children. My daughter has also been an amazing source of support throughout our fostering journey and together we have built a home where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and cared for.”

“Like any family, we have our busy days, our funny moments, and our occasional chaos, but there is always love at the centre of it all. Being a single foster parent has shown me that families come in many different shapes and sizes, and what matters most is not how many adults are in the home, but how much care, commitment, and love the children receive.”

A house becoming a home

Fostering can bring so much to your life as a foster parent and Rosane shared with us some of the things she has found most special:

“One good thing I wish I’d known before starting fostering is just how much love would come into my life. Before becoming a foster carer, I understood that I would be making a difference in children’s lives, but I never imagined how much they would change mine. These children had been through so much, yet they still found space in their hearts to trust, connect, and love me back. That is something I don’t think anyone can fully prepare you for. I could never have imagined that just one year later, I would struggle to remember what life was like before they came into it.”

“When I look at where the children were when they first arrived and compare it to where they are now, I realise that the real difference is not found in one single moment. It is found in all the small moments that have added up over time. The most powerful have been the moments when they showed that they truly felt they belonged. Watching them gradually stop seeing our house as somewhere temporary and instead refer to it as home has been incredibly moving. It is difficult to put into words what it means to witness children who once lived with uncertainty begin to feel safe, secure, and loved as part of a family.”

Don’t underestimate the difference you can make

Rosane is passionate about encouraging others to consider fostering. She believes many people underestimate the impact they could have on a child’s life and the rewards that fostering can bring in return.

She said: “Children in care don’t need perfect carers; they need caring, committed adults who are willing to be patient, consistent, and present. My advice would be not to underestimate the difference you can make. You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is being willing to learn, seek support, and provide a safe and nurturing environment.”

“Fostering may give you the opportunity to change a child’s life, but it also changes your own for the better – and watching a child discover their strengths, build confidence, and begin to believe that they deserve good things in life is worth all the effort.”

While fostering may begin with a desire to help a child, it often becomes a journey that changes your own life too.

If you want to make a difference to children by providing a loving home, please get in touch with our team to find out more about fostering.