Meet Susan: From Management Career to Newly Approved Foster Carer

A foster carer bringing years of life experience, commitment, and care into fostering

I’ve spent the last 35 years working in management roles, always alongside others, while raising my own children with the valued support of family and friends. I adopted my two children, and seeing how naturally and positively they became part of our family made me realise I could open my home to even more children who need stability and care.

After doing extensive research and learning more about the shortage of foster carers, I felt fostering would let me help more than one child and use my experience in a meaningful way. That’s when I decided to apply.

In March 2026, I stepped away from my management career to foster full-time—and I can honestly say I absolutely love it.

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What Made Me Want to Foster

Adopting my children showed me just how powerful a safe, loving home can be. Watching them grow, thrive, and settle so well gave me the confidence that I could support other children, too. Fostering felt like a natural next step—one where I could make a real difference in children’s lives during challenging times.

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Why I Chose Foster Cares Ltd

When I decided to foster, I took time to research different agencies. Foster Cares Ltd stood out straight away because of the strong family feel and welcoming values.

When Louise, the Recruitment Social Worker, visited for my initial meeting, we quickly built a positive connection. Everything she shared about the agency—the support, communication, and care—has genuinely come to fruition. The experience has matched exactly what I was promised.

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The Assessment Process

The assessment process was smooth, well organised, and not nearly as intrusive as I had expected. Communication throughout was excellent—everything was clearly explained, well planned, and unfolded in a logical sequence.

I especially appreciated that my children were involved from the early stages. Including them helped prepare our whole family and made the journey into fostering feel positive and inclusive.

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Our First Placement

Initially, I received a few referrals that weren’t quite right due to factors such as location. Eventually, I received a referral for two children aged nine and three who needed an emergency placement. From the beginning, I felt confident that we were a good match and that I could meet their needs.

The matching process was thorough, child-centred, and always considered the needs of my own children, too. My Supervising Social Worker has been incredibly supportive, and I knew straight away this was the right match—for the children and for us.

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How Fostering Has Impacted Our Family

“Everyday moments that show connection, belonging, and shared experiences.”

Fostering has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the positive changes in the children I care for has been amazing. My children have fully embraced welcoming others into our home—sharing toys, enjoying new experiences together, and building connections. I’m so proud of the way they’ve adapted and shown such kindness.

Fostering has also brought balance into my life. Being at home has enabled me to spend more time with my children and my mother, which we truly value. Hearing children singing as they get ready for school in the morning makes everything worthwhile—it’s a simple reminder that I’ve made a positive impact.

I’m incredibly proud of all the children.

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My Advice to Anyone Considering Fostering

“Just be adventurous.”

Take the time to gather information, ask questions, and speak to experienced foster carers and professionals. There are many myths around fostering, so it’s important to get the facts. With the right support, fostering can be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.

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