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 10

Andi and Laura's story

Read how Andi and her daughter are thriving after getting support through parent and child foster care.
Fostering
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.
Fostering
Ali and Liz's story

Alison and her partner Liz have been together for over 20 years and have been short break foster carers for Barnardo’s NI for just over a year. Liz has previously worked in the education and arts sectors and Alison is a chef. They have just embarked on their first full time foster care placement.
Fostering
Emma and Derek's story

Emma, 42, and her husband Derek, 51, have been short break foster carers for Barnardo’s for the past four years. The couple have two daughters, who are both in their 20s, and live in Tyne and Wear, and have written about their experiences for us.
Fostering
Julie's story

Julie is a foster carer for siblings, and writes about her experiences.
Fostering
Shirley and Trevor's story

A trip to her local shopping centre proved life changing for Shirley Blair and her husband Trevor after she picked up a Barnardo’s information leaflet about fostering.
Fostering
Bridget's story

For Bridget Davies, the secret to being a successful foster parent is never losing the sense of fun and wonder of being a child.
Fostering
How Trishun and Matt make a difference through fostering.

Trishun and Matt provide short-term and emergency foster care. These types of placements can last from one night to a year and give a child a caring home environment to live in while plans are made for their future.
Fostering
Peter and Liz’s story

Peter and Liz have been fostering with Barnardo’s Scotland for 17 years. During that time, they have looked after more than 30 children and found the support offered by Barnardo’s invaluable.
Fostering
From caring professionals to foster carers: Brian and Helen's story

Inspired by their careers in caring professions, Brian and Helen decided to start fostering. Learn how their experiences have helped them become amazing foster parents.
Fostering

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.

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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.

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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.

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