We always knew fostering was something we wanted to do. Even while trying for children of our own, the desire to foster never left us. It was a calling that stayed quietly in the background, waiting for the right moment.
Once we submitted our application, everything moved surprisingly smoothly. We were actually on holiday when we got the first call—it was more of a casual chat than a formal interview. At the time, we didn’t even realize it was the start of the assessment process. It felt more like someone just wanting to get to know us—what we were like, what we enjoyed, how our home ran day to day.
But then things shifted. The conversations went deeper. They became more personal—about our lives, our pasts, our values. It felt like therapy in the best way. It wasn’t always easy. There were tears, yes, but also a lot of laughter. It brought us closer and made us reflect on who we were and why we wanted to foster.
The training was something we both dreaded at first. We imagined long, dry sessions filled with information overload. But it turned out to be one of the most enriching parts of the journey. The scenarios they presented were so real, so relevant. We found ourselves thinking, “Ah, that’s how I’d handle that situation.” By the end of it, we both felt like better parents—more prepared, more aware, more confident.
Then came the panel. We hadn’t thought much about it, mostly because we didn’t really understand what it was. We panicked a bit—one of us even emailed our social worker asking if we needed to revise the Children’s Act! But she reassured us: “It’s just a chat.” And it really was. Quick, friendly, and before we knew it, we got the call: we were approved.
Just days later, on a Thursday evening, we got our first placement call. An emergency. A little one needed a home for a week. We didn’t know anything about them, but we didn’t hesitate. We were excited and ready.
Emma met her first and asked about her interests—football and dogs. So there I was, at work, frantically searching for pictures of her favorite team and dogs to make a collage. I even roped in my colleagues! She arrived the next morning, and because our other two kids were home, she wasn’t overwhelmed. She could just blend in, explore, and feel at ease. Within an hour, it felt like she’d been with us for a month.
It’s been a journey—emotional, challenging, beautiful. We’ve grown so much, not just as parents, but as people. Fostering has brought us joy, purpose, and a deeper sense of connection. We’re happier now, knowing we can give something meaningful to someone so special.