Wes’ motivation for becoming a foster carer came from, “when I adopted my son a few years prior to becoming a foster carer I knew that I wanted to be able to help other children feel safe and secure. I began researching fostering and, being newly single, considered it a good time to pursue it. It would offer me both a source of income, and I hoped that it would give my older son the opportunity to develop as a role model.”

When choosing who to foster with Wes sought input from friends close to him, “I knew from other friends who were already foster carers for private fostering agencies that they were considering transferring to their local council as they offered greater support. This is something I’m really happy I chose to do right from the start of my time as a foster carer.” In addition to the greater support mentioned by Wes, our foster carers cite various reasons for choosing to foster for their local council. These reasons include the ability to keep children local, work with a local team, and access opportunities like participating in the Mockingbird programme.

Wes’ advice for anyone considering becoming a foster carer? Properly consider the financial aspect of fostering on yourself and your family. He emphasises that it’s important to “fully understand all of the various financial support that is available. I didn’t realise at first but even things like when they (children or young people) first move in, if they don’t have much then there’s a budget towards new items. Mileage for driving certain distances for school trips or family time are all things you can also claim for.” This is echoed in our chats to prospective foster carers as often people don’t realise that being a foster carer is a paid role or what is covered. To understand this better, we recommend reading our fees and allowances page, or talking to your local council as each have differing offers.

We ask all our foster carers what their favourite little moments from fostering have been, and each share that there are too many to count! Find out more about one of Wes’ favourites in the above video where he proudly recounts his story of the robot waiter and garlic bread! He also shares how handling the family time with both his placements has been really positive, “at first I was anxious that they would be upset or show negative feelings towards me, but I felt the way I handled it, giving them space and time to talk, really paid off for everyone’s benefit.”

As we wrap up this look into the lives of one of our fostering households, we hope their stories have moved you and shown just how much of a difference they make. Their dedication, kindness, and strength are truly inspiring, and we’re so thankful for everything they do. Stay tuned to meet more of these amazing individuals who make fostering possible. Together, we can support and celebrate the incredible work of our foster carers, making sure every child has the chance to grow up in a loving and caring home.