Sarah
& Kazim

Sarah and her husband Kazim have been changing children’s lives for the past 15 years while fostering for the London Borough of Redbridge. In that time, they have had four children stay with them on a long-term arrangement and have also cared for a baby until they returned to the birth family.

“I love watching the difference I can make to a child,” says Sarah. “I love watching them succeed in life and to know I have made a difference.

“I chose to foster as I always wanted to give children less fortunate than me a great life.”

The eldest of Sarah’s foster children is studying to be a doctor, and says that they would not be where they are today without the love and support of their foster family.

Sarah says: “The support I have from the fostering team has been nothing but amazing. I am lucky to have a great Supervising Social Worker who always supports me. Training has always been available and I do a lot online.

“Fostering is full time. You have to be strong. You don’t always know much about the child. Initiative is key. Treat them like family, set boundaries and, most importantly, love and praise the children.”