Could I really be a foster carer?

Kensington and Chelsea foster carer Sharon has welcomed foster children into her home for almost 20 years. Her welcoming spirit has touched the lives of 14 children who have found safety and sanctuary in her home and gone on to live fulfilling adult lives. 

Could you be a foster carer, or want to learn more about the process of fostering a child?

Sharon lives in Earl’s Court along with her three dogs and four sugar gliders – a species of small gliding possum. Safe to say, Sharon is used to a lively and active household. 

Fostering is a deeply rewarding yet challenging endeavour, Sharon describes. The range of experiences she has encountered, from caring for babies to teenagers, shows just how diverse fostering can be. No two children or situations are the same. 

Sharon's decision to become a foster carer was borne out of her love for children and a desire to provide a safe and loving home for those in need. Her journey into fostering began with a simple suggestion from a friend. Sharon would often be the person her children’s friends would turn to when they were in need, perhaps following a fall out at home, or just when they needed some space away from family. Sharon would allow her children’s friends to stay over on the condition that she contacted the child’s parent to make sure it was okay. One day, her friend said, “you always have kids staying around your house, have you ever considered fostering?”

“Could I really be a foster carer?”

Looking back, Sharon recalls her uncertainty around taking the first step into being a foster carer. She realised, though, that in considering becoming a foster carer, she had already taken one of the most important steps. After attending a meeting and hearing about the experiences of other foster carers, and learning about the range of support available, Sharon decided to take the plunge. 

One of the key lessons Sharon emphasises is the importance of a strong support network in the fostering process. Collaborating with the local authority, family members, and neighbours proved vital for providing consistency and stability for the children under her care. By working together, these support systems create an environment where children can thrive, grow and feel nurtured.

For those who are considering becoming foster carers, Sharon's message is clear: the rewards of fostering far outweigh the challenges. By opening your heart and home to a child in need, you are making a lasting impact on their life and contributing to a brighter future for them.

“The sense of fulfilment that comes from knowing you have played a part in shaping a child's future is unparalleled.”

Despite the bittersweet moments when children move on to new chapters in their lives, the lasting connections and positive impact remain. Sharon is still in in contact with many of the children who she looked after and has even recently met two new grandchildren from her foster child that spent three years of her youth under Sharon’s roof.

“What challenges would I face as a foster carer?”

The process of fostering is not without its challenges. Sharon's reflections on her experiences with children in care shed light on the complexities and rewards involved. From helping children understand their situations to navigating behavioural issues, fostering requires patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the children in your care.

Fostering is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and rewards. In providing a safe and loving home for the children in her care, Sharon shows the positive impact that foster carers can have on the lives of vulnerable children.

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, Sharon says take the leap, embrace the challenges, and experience the profound joy of changing a child's life for the better. Sharon's journey is a reminder that fostering is not just about providing a temporary home; it's about building relationships, creating memories, and shaping futures.

Could you be a foster carer, or want to learn more about the process of fostering a child?