Our foster carers' stories

Hugh  - LGBTQ+

Hugh, a mainstream foster carer talks about their motivation for becoming foster carers with Coventry, the fostering application process, the support they received from the Service and how they moved on from providing short stays to one child to offering a longer care arrangement for another. He shared the process taught them to “manage tricky situations” however also “how rewarding it has been”. 

Louise - fostering

Louise, a mainstream foster carer talks about “her fostering moment” and how it captured their time together in the foster home and how well they all “work together”.

Timi's story

Timi, a Next Steps carer stresses the importance of “having a heart for children because you need a lot of patience” and resilience on your fostering journey. She shares as a Next Steps carer, you will be caring for children with complex needs. At times it is challenging however “the joy of seeing children settle over time; we have the joy of seeing children not only settle at home but settle in school”.

We were approved as foster carers on the Next Steps Scheme (Specialist Fostering). We have two birth children and currently we have one child we are fostering.

We do not consider the fostering of children more challenging than raising one’s own birth children. It’s not that there are no challenges, but that’s what parents are built for; to help another generation grow to their full potential. We have had to adapt some of our routines to accommodate our young people and make room to accept them as they were, when they came to us.

Fostering is a great thing to do. We feel we all have enough love and kindness to share. The addition of a child or children to your home brings many advantages; one of the important ones is that every child brings something good into your home, even if they don’t know it.

Katie - out of hours foster carer

Katie’s role as an out of hours carer involves welcoming children at short notice and providing stability, comfort, and guidance. Drawing on her extensive experience, she supports children through emotional challenges, helps them adjust to new situations, and builds trusting relationships that make a real difference in their lives.

Yayra - mainstream foster carer

Yayra has been fostering with Coventry for several years and describes the joy of seeing her foster children grow, achieve, and thrive. She says the most rewarding part of fostering is not only providing a safe and supportive home but being there to celebrate their milestones and achievements.

Emma - mainstream foster carer

Emma shares her and her partner’s experience as foster carers. Emma talks about how rewarding it is to break down a child’s barriers, build trust, and start seeing their personality, excitement, and achievements shine through.

Salma - next steps foster carer

Salma has been fostering for six years. She candidly shares how the early days were tough- filled with uncertainty and adjustment, but through patience, understanding, and unwavering support, her foster child has thrived.