Let's chat about fostering

"It's about giving these kids a chance" In this episode we look beyond the stereotypes and assumptions and discuss the realities of opening your home to a teenager in need. Join Cheryl as she gives an honest insight into the world of fostering teenagers. From the challenges to the breakthroughs and why she recommends a drive to a well known fast food restaurant, this episode reminds...

With a combined 40 plus years of fostering experience and nearly 100 fostered babies cared for between them, our guests, Ang and Peter, sit down to chat about the realities of fostering babies. From the day-to-day routines and challenges of sleep deprivation, to the emotional journey of adoption and the often continued contact thereafter, this conversation is honest, heartfelt and inspiring. Broug...

"It was interesting for me, going into a household where there was love and care and actually having my passions nurtured and supported" Join Tyler and Rose for an open, honest and sincere conversation about their experience of foster care. Whether you simply want to understand more before making an enquiry, work in Children's Social Care or are care-experienced yourself, tune in fo...

"From the day we moved I've always been really happy". Join Jayne and Sally as they talk honestly about why they chose to transfer to their Local Authority from an Independent Fostering Agency. From the practicalities of being part of a local network of Foster Carers, Social Workers, Education and Health Professionals and Police, to the ethical considerations behind their decision t...

In this episode, we're talking all things Mockingbird! A pioneering, award winning programme which is led by The Fostering Network in the UK. Tune in to hear from Hub Home Carer, Craig, and Satellite Carer, Marie, who share what it's really like to be part of a Mockingbird constellation when you foster with your Local Authority in Cheshire and Merseyside. From the practical help and advi...

"Don’t pre-judge what that young person may or may not have been through. The story might be very different from what you'd expect as to why they've ended up in a residential home." Many children and young people who are living in residential homes are there simply because there are not enough foster carers in their area, and many people make assumptions about young people when...

'Sometimes Foster Carers may just need a bit of support, they’re having a difficult day, they may say is it possible to have a visit earlier than planned and we can pop out and do that, and that support is there for you should you need it. ' There are so many benefits to fostering with your Local Authority, but having a network of support from fellow Foster Carers, Social Workers and par...

"Often, children who have experienced trauma will misunderstand your good intentions, and again that can be really exhausting" In this episode we chat with Mel, one of our Foster4 Therapeutic Practitioners who offers support to our newly approved Foster Carers throughout the first 12 months of their approval. We understand that caring for children who have experienced trauma takes patien...

Did you know a fostering assessment is split into two parts? Stage 1, checks and references, and stage 2 the written assessment. In this episode we chat with Sharon and David, who explain what you should expect when going through a fostering assessment. Whether you're just starting to explore fostering or are already on your assessment journey, tune in to bust myths and understand what it tak...

What will they ask me? What will they think of my home? What if my past isn't perfect? It's common to have concerns when you hear the next step on your fostering journey is an initial home visit, so in this episode we sit down with Fostering Team Manager, Rachel, who explains what the real purpose of an initial visit is, what you can expect and why Local Authorities place so much importa...

Taking that first step to make an enquiry about becoming a Foster Carer can feel quite daunting, but our Foster4 Fostering Support Workers are here to ensure it's an easy process with no pressure, just honest, supportive and informative conversations. In this episode, we sit down and chat with Lisa and Shelley, Foster4 Fostering Support Workers and the first contact for many on their journey...

How do you navigate fostering with a family of your own? How do you start a conversation about fostering with your children? In this episode we sit down with Vicky, a Foster Carer with a young family of her own, who shares her family's experience of opening their home and hearts to fostering.  This open, honest and inspiring conversation includes everything from why they decided to foster, to...

What's it like to be a foster sibling? How do children of foster carers feel when their parent/s say they want to foster another child? In this episode we sit down with Nathan, a birth child of foster carers who shares his experience, from his parents sitting him down to discuss the possibility of becoming a fostering family, to forming lifelong bonds as a foster sibling and why he wants to b...