Stories and News

Foster carers, Victoria and Philip
Fostering Stories

Our daughter is the reason we became a fostering family

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Throughout October we’re shining a light on children of foster carers and the vital role they play in welcoming children into their home. Foster carers Victoria and Philip shared how their daughters were central to their decision to foster.

Foster carer Helen portrait
Fostering Stories

"I think what my mum and dad did was fantastic."

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Throughout October we’re shining a light on children of foster carers and the vital role they play in welcoming children into their home. Social Worker Helen shared how growing up in a fostering family made a positive impact to her life.

Foster carers Georgina and Vincent on holiday and wearing wet suits
Fostering Stories

Georgina and Vincent's Story

Thursday 29 August 2024

"I wish we'd taken that first step sooner because we've had absolutely the best year of our lives."

Adult lay alongside sleeping baby, gently stroking babies face
Fostering Stories

Abbie's Story

Monday 12 August 2024

Fostering babies has given Abbie more freedom to spend time with her own family.

A foster carer, June, sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

June Short Breaks Carer

Tuesday 18 June 2024

June tells us about her experiences providing short breaks care to children with additional needs and disabilities.

Foster carers Ian and Toni side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Ian and Toni's Story

Monday 17 June 2024

Ian and Toni have been fostering for 18 years and they shared their experiences with us at our last information event.

Foster carers Karen and James alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Karen's Story

Friday 26 April 2024

'They came for 4 weeks and stayed for 12 years'

A foster carer, Erika alongside Foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Erika's Story

Friday 08 March 2024

"They've been able to experience the magic of childhood without the burdens they may have previously faced."

A baby wrapped in blanket in adults arms
Fostering Stories

Victoria's Story

Monday 26 February 2024

"After 13 years, the excitement that you feel when a little one comes into your home doesn’t fade."

Foster carer Lesley alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Lesley's Story

Friday 19 January 2024

"My career has been everything for me, but since having a foster child, my priorities have totally changed and I’m enjoying watching him grow and flourish into a good person."

Young boy smiling as he pops bubbles at the park
Fostering Stories

When is the right time to start fostering?

Friday 05 January 2024

There is no ‘perfect’ time to start the fostering process. Life comes with uncertainty and changes, but here are a few things you may want to consider when starting your fostering journey.

Foster carer sitting on sofa alongside christmas tree
Fostering Stories

The benefits of respite care

Thursday 14 December 2023

Nicola told us about her experiences as a respite carer and how it fits around her life.

The foster team and members of public at a fostering event
Fostering Stories

Claire's Story

Tuesday 17 October 2023

At our recent information event Claire told us how she fits fostering alongside working and how she's been able to progress from respite fostering to caring for children on a longer term basis.

Foster carer Phil sitting alongside young person
Fostering Stories

"It was the most life-changing experience"

Sunday 03 September 2023

Isabelle speaks with foster carer Phil about her life-changing experiences growing up in care

Foster carers Chereece and Grant side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Chereece and Grant's Story

Wednesday 09 August 2023

As a 29 and 26 year old couple, Chereece and Grant initially thought they were too young to foster, until they attended one of our information events.

Foster carers Lynn and Saied side-by-side, Lynn holding bouquet of flowers
Fostering Stories

Celebrating Lynn and Saied after 10 years of fostering

Thursday 08 June 2023

We celebrate Lynn and Saied's achievements as they reach the end of their time fostering. Read Lynn's reflections.

Baby sleeping and holding adults hand
Fostering Stories

Tina and Ashley's Story

Thursday 25 May 2023

Tina and Ashley have fostered babies and toddlers since 2018. They tell us about their experience as baby carers.

Foster carer, Sue, sitting on sofa, smiling, and holding bouquet of flowers
Fostering Stories

Reflecting on 50 years of fostering!

Wednesday 24 May 2023

Sue has dedicated her whole life to helping vulnerable babies, children and families. She shared her thoughts about fostering 415 babies and children over the last 50 years!

Foster carers Heather and Andrew sitting side-by-side in-front of bookcase
Fostering Stories

Respite carers Heather and Andrew share their story

Saturday 13 May 2023

Heather and Andrew have been fostering with Liverpool for 15 months and have started their journey as respite foster carers.  Here’s their story so far…

Foster carer Safinah smiling alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

It’s the most beautiful thing in life you can do

Friday 12 May 2023

Safinah started fostering in September 2022 and shares what caring for 3- and 6-year-old siblings has been like so far!

Child playing clarinet in front of christmas tree
Fostering Stories

The greatest gift is "seeing a child achieve beyond their dreams"

Tuesday 20 December 2022

Foster carer Alison tells us about the amazing achievements of the young person she has cared for over the last six years.

Young person sitting outside at table in the sun
Fostering Stories

The greatest gift is feeling like you belong

Friday 16 December 2022

Kristian shares his story of growing up in care and how the love, care and attention from his foster carers have helped him in life.

Foster carers holding certificate and bouquet of flowers alongside foster4 badge
Fostering Stories

"It’s beyond words when you have really helped a child"

Friday 28 October 2022

Claire and Andy were recently nominated for a special recognition award by their fostering social worker Elaine. We loved hearing why they are so passionate about fostering.

Foster carer Phil smiling with his son
Fostering Stories

Jamie's Story - Growing up as part of a fostering family

Wednesday 05 October 2022

Jaime tells us his story on how being part of a foster family has had such a positive impact on his life!

Foster carers Sarah and Kevin sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

Sarah and Kevin - The rewards of fostering

Monday 08 August 2022

It's been 8 months since Sarah and Kevin welcomed 8 and 10 year old sisters into their home. They share their early fostering experiences and tell us why it's the little things mean so much.

Foster carer holding dog on lap
Fostering Stories

Father's Day - Dom's Story

Thursday 23 June 2022

Dom tells us how fostering has changed his family's life for the better and how rewarding it is to be able to positively affect a child's life.

Foster carers smiling
Fostering Stories

Alan's Story - Fostering as a family

Friday 17 June 2022

For Father's Day, we spoke to foster carer Alan about fostering as a family from his point of view. Including why he was reluctant at first, and how the reality has been completely different to what he expected.

Foster carer Andy stood in front garden wall
Fostering Stories

Father's Day - Alan's Story

Friday 17 June 2022

Alan had considered fostering for many years, but it wasn't until he met his partner Heather and they became foster carers, that he had his first experience of looking after children.

Foster carer David relaxed on sofa
Fostering Stories

People are surprised when I say I'm a foster carer

Tuesday 24 May 2022

David has been fostering with us for a year, but he said sometimes people are surprised this is possible as a single, gay, male.

Foster carer, Jacquie sitting on sofa
Fostering Stories

I didn't plan on fostering siblings, but it's the best decision I've ever made!

Wednesday 23 March 2022

When Jacquie became a foster carer four years ago, she didn't plan on caring for siblings. She tells us why saying yes to fostering three sibling sisters is the best decision she's ever made.

Foster carers, Tahir and Amra sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

Our first year as a fostering family

Thursday 27 January 2022

Amra and Tahir reflect on their fostering experiences, a year following their approval. They share their thoughts on the assessment process and the rewards and challenges during their first year.

Christmas display of card made by child and picture frame with words 'Home, family, love'
Fostering Stories

Small Milestones Are The Best Gift

Tuesday 21 December 2021

Foster carer Julia tells us what Christmas is like caring for a 6 year old boy with special needs

Foster carer sat on sofa next to christmas tree
Fostering Stories

Christmas Through A Child's Eyes

Monday 20 December 2021

Foster carer Pip tells us about everything she's looking forward to for her first Christmas looking after a 9 year old boy.

Foster carer sitting on sofa alongside christmas tree
Fostering Stories

Fostering At Christmas - Nicola's Story

Saturday 18 December 2021

After developing a close bond with a 15 year old who is currently in residential care, Nicola invited her to stay for Christmas.

Foster carer Paula holding a bouquet of flowers next to child's birthday cards and balloon's
Fostering Stories

Despite the goodbyes, it’s the best thing I've ever done

Wednesday 22 September 2021

Paula has been fostering babies for over 16 years. She recently shared her experience and told us why despite the goodbyes, it’s the best thing she’s ever done.

Two foster carers Debbie and Dot with foster children eating ice cream
Fostering Stories

Debbie and Dot's Story - Fostering firsts

Monday 05 July 2021

Deb and Dot reflect on the equal joy and heartache of experiencing 'firsts' both for them and the 3 siblings they foster

Foster carer stephen playing football with young person at park
Fostering Stories

Stephen's Story - Believing in teenagers

Monday 05 July 2021

Steven told us how he feels about fostering teenagers, and why his support and belief means so much to them as at such a crucial age.

Foster carers Tony and Vicky arm in arm
Fostering Stories

Fostering Siblings

Wednesday 21 April 2021

Tony and his wife Debbie started fostering in 2017, when their own children were 9, 8 and 6. They currently look after two siblings and a baby, so have lots of experiences to share about fostering siblings and the role of their own children.

Foster carers with quote 'if we compare how he was when he first arrived to now, it just makes us smile'
Fostering Stories

How one weekend turned into something very special

Thursday 28 January 2021

Chris and Amanda have been fostering with Liverpool for 7 months, and what started out as a weekend respite care during lockdown has developed into something much more than anyone could have imagined.

Collage of young person horse riding and dressed for ballet
Fostering Stories

Sister's shine with determination and passion

Thursday 14 January 2021

With the support of their foster carers, sisters Chloe and Jenna have overcome many challenges, and they are now pursuing futures in things they are passionate about.

Text 'to see them thrive and blossom and have a sense of self-worth, is one of the best things you can experience' Donna
Fostering Stories

You can be their anchor

Tuesday 01 December 2020

During Donna’s 10 years fostering she has seen children progress and feel more safe, secure and happy because of the routine, consistency and stability she has been able to provide.

Foster carers with the quote text 'The love you get in return is priceless'
Fostering Stories

Lynn and Saied's Story

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Lynn and Saied have been fostering for ten years and during that time they have looked after over twenty babies, siblings and teenagers as well as children on an emergency basis.

Young person holding head to side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Change a future - Katlin's Story

Tuesday 17 November 2020

When Katlin first went into foster care she felt embarrassed and only told her best friend. Katlin told us how different she feels now, and how being fostered has helped her achieve what she wanted in life.

Collage of two siblings side-by-side and walking on the beach
Fostering Stories

Sons and Daughters Month

Thursday 01 October 2020

Anna gives a very honest and inspiring account of what it's like to be the daughter of foster carers!

Foster carer alongside the foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Fostering siblings during lockdown

Thursday 01 October 2020

Pip previously thought that being single, working full time and not owning her own property would all be barriers to fostering. She is now an amazing foster carer to three siblings!

Foster carers Tony and Vicky side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Foster carer follows in Mum’s Footsteps

Thursday 24 September 2020

Tony and Vicky thought about fostering for a long time, because of the experiences they had whilst Tony’s Mum was a foster carer. Now they share their own experiences as a new foster family.

Foster carer and her pet dog with words 'A great ice breaker pointing to the dog'
Fostering Stories

"Our first year as foster carers"

Wednesday 05 August 2020

Vicky and Gary had known that wanted to foster for 10 years and that when they did, it would be about finding the right time. 9 months into fostering, Vicky shared her thoughts and experiences with us.

Collage of young person smiling and reading
Fostering Stories

Change a future - Bianca's Story

Wednesday 13 May 2020

As a 19 year old on the cusp of an exciting future at University, Bianca is now able to pursue her dreams and realise her potential, because of the opportunities being fostered gave to her.

Foster carers Tony and Vicky smiling
Fostering Stories

Fostering During a Pandemic!

Friday 08 May 2020

Becoming foster carers is without a doubt both exciting and nerve wracking under normal circumstances, but when Coronavirus and lockdown arrived, this added a whole other dimension to Tony and Vicky’s new role as foster carers!

Foster carer holding newborn baby
Fostering Stories

I welcome them all equally with my heart

Thursday 20 February 2020

When it comes to cultural differences, Amina says to her “Children are children.” All you need is space in your heart and in your home" - Amina.

Foster parents holding newborn baby
Fostering Stories

Could you give a baby a loving home?

Thursday 12 December 2019

Over the last 14 years fostering with Liverpool, Peter and Gaynor have looked after 67 babies, and have found it really rewarding.  Peter told us, “It's something you can put 100% of yourself into, and get 100% and more back.”

Foster carer Alison smiling
Fostering Stories

Alison's story

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Alison’s inspirational story shows us that disabled foster carers have huge potential, and that the most important thing about being a good foster carer and achieving success, is the love and support you can offer to a child.

Collage of foster carer Phil and his family
Fostering Stories

Phil’s story

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Phil is married with two birth children and has been fostering since 2010. With his wife, he's fostered some respite and short term placements, but all his current foster children have been with them for over two years.