Children standing on beach at sunset

Fostering stories

Read and watch fostering stories

We welcome foster carers from all walks of life, and all backgrounds.

Below, a few of our foster carers talk about their experience of fostering with Barnardo's in a selection of written accounts and videos.

Showing 1 - 10 of 22

  • Jem’s magical fostering moment

    When you foster a child or young person, you have the opportunity to give them experiences they may never have had before. That’s what happened to Jem.

  • Sharon and Tim’s experience of fostering

    Tim and Sharon are great examples of how rewarding fostering can be. Although there are challenges along the way, the positive difference fostering has made to theirs and numerous children’s, lives makes it worthwhile.

  • James: “I'm living proof that fostering makes a difference"

    When James was 14 he was put into emergency foster care. Thanks to some dedicated carers and a supportive Barnardo’s project worker he was able to thrive. He’s now a Barnardo’s project worker, using his experiences to help other young people.

  • Andi and Laura's story

    Read how Andi and her daughter are thriving after getting support through parent and child foster care.

  • Sylvia and David’s story

    A couple from Aberdeen who recently retired from fostering are appealing to others to consider the worthwhile difference they can make to children’s lives. 

  • Soynnia's story

    Soynnia, 60, lives in the West Midlands. Soynnia currently fosters a 14-year-old boy called James* and is birth-mum to two children now aged 34 and 31 and grandmother to four grandchildren. 

Two adoptive fathers smiling with their two sons

LGBT Fostering stories 

A few of our LGBT+ foster carers talk about their experience of fostering with Barnardo's in a selection of written accounts and videos.

Young boy on see-saw

Types of foster care

There are many different kinds of foster care, specific to each child's situation. Find out more about the many ways you can provide care for a child who needs your help.

Young girl smiling at camera in garden

Enquire about fostering

The first step towards joining the Barnardo's family is getting in touch. Complete our online form or find details about alternative contact methods here.