Download Being Part of a Fostering Family – A Guide for Parents
Being part of a fostering family
Life in a Fostering Family
As part of Children of Foster Carers Week, we’re celebrating the voices of young people who grow up in fostering families. Their experiences are often full of warmth, resilience, and unexpected joy, and they remind us how fostering can positively shape the whole household.
“Hi, my name is Oliver and I’m 12 years old. My family is a fostering family.
“Fostering is part of our life at home, and it has been a calm journey for me. I like playing UNO and Dobble with my foster siblings, and we become friends easily. It feels like they’re part of the family.
“One of the best things about being part of a fostering family is that I get to meet lots of different people and visit many places. I also get a lot of toys, and I share them with my foster brothers and sisters.
“There are some really special memories too. For example, after one of my foster sisters moved on, we met up with her at the zoo, it was a nice day and we’re still good friends. If your parents are thinking about fostering, I’d say it’s fun to meet other children.
“I still get to spend time with my mum and dad on my own when we’re fostering other children, and I often cook with my mum. If you’re worried or not sure about it, just talk to your mum or dad, they’ll help you out. It’s normal to have questions, and you’ll still get to do stuff with your family”.
Oliver’s story is a beautiful reminder that fostering doesn’t mean losing family time, it means expanding it. His experience shows how important it is to maintain routines, create space for one-on-one moments, and involve your child in the fostering journey. If you’re a parent considering fostering and wondering how it might affect your own children, we also spoke to the amazing foster carer Tracy, who shared her advice:
“Oliver came to live with us when he was nearly six as a foster child and then, in 2023, we adopted him, so I’m his mum now.
“If you’re thinking of fostering and you have children of your own, make sure that communication with them is both open and clear.
“That includes before a child comes to be part of your family, including them in the conversations and preparations, during the time that the child is with you, and after their foster siblings move on, making sure that they feel that they are included in all of the fostering life.”
Supporting Your Family’s Fostering Journey
Welcoming a foster child into your home is a meaningful and transformative experience, not just for you, but for your whole family. Your own children play a vital role in the fostering journey and preparing them thoughtfully can help ensure a positive experience for everyone.
We have created a series of information booklets designed for different age groups, from young children to teenagers and adult children of foster carers. These guides offer practical advice, honest answers, and creative activities to help parents and carers talk openly with their children about fostering.
Whether you’re preparing for your first placement or supporting your family through new changes, these resources are here to help everyone feel informed, included, and confident about what fostering means for your family.
Click on the links below the covers to download the guides in pdf formats. If you need a different format or would like to discuss these guides, email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk
Explore our Being Part of a Fostering Family guides
The Foster Carer Advisory Group (FCAG) was consulted during the development of these booklets.
The FCAG brings together experienced carers from the four partner councils to give advice, feedback, and recommendations to help shape Local Community Fostering’s policies and practices.
To find out about how your Council supports foster carers, click the logos below
We’re the choice for people from all backgrounds—single, coupled up, LGBTQ+, renting, or owning—who want to open their hearts and homes to local children and become part of a loved local community.
Fill out this short form and one of our team will reach out for an open and honest chat. Or feel free to call us on 020 8496 3437 or email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk.
You’re more ready than you think.