October 16, 2025
Meet Tom: One of Foster Cares Ltd Newest Carers Shares His Inspiring Journey into Fostering
At Foster Cares Ltd, we believe every foster carer has a unique story worth sharing. This month, we’re proud to introduce Tom—one of our newest foster carers—who recently joined our fostering family.
In this candid Q&A, Tom opens up about his path to fostering, what inspired him to take the leap, and what life looks like now that he’s caring for two young boys.
A Bit About Tom
Tom is a 30-year-old single man living on his own with a dog. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time relaxing in his caravan.
“I love heading to my caravan whenever I get the chance,” Tom says. “It’s my little escape. Quiet, peaceful—just me and the dog.”
But life has taken a meaningful new turn for Tom as he has embraced the role of a foster carer.
What Sparked the Decision to Foster?
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to foster,” Tom shares. “I went to school with a lot of children who were in care. Seeing their experiences opened my eyes at a young age to how many children need stable, loving homes.”
As a single man, Tom explains that starting a family had always felt a bit complicated. “But one day I realised—why wait? There are children out there right now who need support, care, and someone to believe in them. That decision felt very natural to me.”
Why Foster Cares Ltd?
Tom didn’t have to look far when it came to choosing an agency—his own mother is a foster carer with Foster Cares Ltd.
“My mam has always spoken so highly of the agency,” he says. “She’s had amazing support from her social worker and always felt part of a real community. So, when I was ready to take that step myself, it was an easy choice. I knew I’d be supported every step of the way.”
The Assessment Journey: Reflective and Eye-Opening
When asked about the fostering assessment process, Tom laughs.
“Honestly? It was a bit mad at times—but in a good way. It felt like therapy. You’re asked to go through your whole life—reliving memories, good and bad. Discussing my story was emotional, but it helped me process things I hadn’t thought about in years.”
Tom admits that the online training was a challenge at first. “I’m more of a face-to-face learner, to be honest. But I understand now that there’s a mixture of both, and the information was incredibly valuable. It gave me a whole new level of respect for the professionals working in the care system.”
His First Placement: “It Felt Like Life”
After being officially approved (ratified) on the 5th of September, Tom didn’t have long to wait before welcoming his first children. By the end of the month, two boys had joined his family.
“I left work at lunchtime, by teatime, they were here. It happened fast!” Tom recalls. “Of course, I was nervous—you hope you’ll do everything right. But as soon as everyone left and it was just us, things settled naturally.”
He remembers a moment that brought it all home: “One of the boys looked at me and said, ‘I’m happy.’ That was everything. At that point, it didn’t feel like a job—it just felt like life.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Foster Carers
When asked what he’d say to others considering fostering, Tom doesn’t hesitate.
“Do it. But do it for the right reasons. This isn’t something you do on a whim. It’s hard work. It’s emotionally demanding. And there’s a professional side to it—being kind isn’t enough on its own. You have to be consistent, committed, and always willing to learn.”
But he’s quick to add: “If your hearts in it, it’ll be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.”
Thinking About Fostering?
Tom’s story is a powerful reminder of the real people behind every foster home—and the incredible impact one person can make in children’s lives.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now might be the time to take that first step. Reach out to Foster Cares Ltd today to learn more about how you can become a foster carer.
You won’t just change a child’s life—you might just change your own too.
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