Fostering Stories is a blog that shares real-life experiences from people involved in fostering. You’ll hear directly from foster carers, children and young people in care, support workers, and council staff.
Each story offers a unique point of view. Whether it’s a foster carer’s journey, the experience of a young person in care, or the insight of someone working behind the scenes, these voices show what fostering is really like. The stories are honest, emotional, and inspiring. They highlight both the challenges and the rewards of fostering.
By sharing these real experiences, we aim to build understanding, celebrate strength and resilience, and help more people learn about fostering and the positive impact it can have.
When kinship care changes everything with ambassador Mark
Published: 20 Apr 2026
Our Corporate Parenting Board Ambassador shares his personal journey into Kinship care after an unexpected moment changed his family’s life.
The quiet power of pets in fostering homes with 'Syd'
Published: 10 Apr 2026
'Syd' reflects on how pets bring calm, trust and belonging to fostering homes, offering children comfort, routine and a safe way to connect without pressure.
Raising Futures With Syd: “Strength looks different here and that’s the point”
Published: 10 Apr 2026
Follow our regular columnist, foster carer ‘Syd’, as she shares how creativity, courage and a neurodiversity‑affirming approach shape everyday life in her fostering home.
Sharing food, faith and family with young refugees with Fatima
Published: 8 Apr 2026
Fatima writes about fostering young asylum seekers, navigating culture, bureaucracy and trauma, and creating a safe family home after brave journeys.
How dual approval shaped our family life with 'Jennifer'
Published: 8 Apr 2026
'Jennifer' shares how becoming dual approved has enriched family life, supported work and caring, and helped young people build confidence and independence.
Why Short Break Foster Carers Matter: Making a Difference with Kristina
Published: 8 Apr 2026
Discover why short break foster carers are vital, offering children new experiences and families essential respite and support.
Supporting young people, one conversation at a time with Alison
Published: 8 Apr 2026
Supporting young people through education, mental health, and advocacy, while helping them build independence and agency in everyday life.
How Local Authority Fostering South East Brings Us Together with Jamie
Published: 17 Mar 2026
A personal look at connection, collaboration and support across the South East.
Finding home through change with 'Thomas'
Published: 10 Mar 2026
'Thomas' reflects on the impact of repeated placement moves, the meaning of belonging, and how stability, warmth and understanding help children in care.
Growing, Learning, and Laughing with Supported Lodgings
Published: 4 Mar 2026
Life as a parent carer and the impact of Short Breaks with Debbie
Published: 4 Mar 2026
Navigating emotions and everyday life in fostering with Steve
Published: 12 Feb 2026
One dad’s honest take on the emotional and practical realities of fostering.
How reading supports children in care with Ndah and Happier Every Chapter
Published: 5 Feb 2026
Ndah’s experience running Happier Every Chapter centres on using carefully curated, inclusive books to help children in care feel safe, understood and confident.
Choosing between your council and an agency with Enquiries Officer Amy
Published: 2 Feb 2026
Amy shares real experiences and her expert insights to help you understand the differences between fostering with a Local Authority or an agency.
Mama Bear Moments and Baby Firsts with Helen
Published: 14 Jan 2026
Helen reflects on fostering babies and parent-child placements, sharing the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments of helping families grow and thrive.
Making a difference through short break fostering with 'Lisa'
Published: 4 Dec 2025
Discover what short break fostering is really like, from challenges and breakthroughs to the joy of supporting a child with additional needs
Raising futures with Syd: “Looking after someone who doesn’t look like me”
Published: 3 Dec 2025
Follow our regular columnist, foster carer 'Syd', as she reflects on race, identity and love during Black History Month—and what it means to truly belong.
Our fostering journey from assessment to short breaks with 'Susan'
Published: 5 Nov 2025
Approved short breaks carers reflect on their journey, sharing the joys, challenges, and impact of weekend fostering in Surrey
Fostering and fathering teenagers and finding purpose with Andrew
Published: 5 Nov 2025
Andrew shares his experience of fostering teenagers, the challenges and rewards of being a dad carer, and the deep impact it’s had on his family and life.
Growing Up in a Fostering Family Life, Love and Lessons with Amelie
Published: 13 Oct 2025
Amelie shares her honest experience of growing up in a fostering family, the challenges she faced, and the empathy and joy it brought into her life.
How foster carers can navigate sibling rivalry and build bonds with Davis
Published: 10 Oct 2025
For foster carers, sibling fallouts are not just challenges to manage but opportunities to teach vital life skills.
Fostering through play and presence with Hannah
Published: 10 Oct 2025
A young adult shares how growing up in a fostering household shaped her journey and how day visits and sleepovers now allow her to bring joy, connection, and care to children while supporting foster families.
The service side of supported lodgings with Rosie
Published: 16 Sep 2025
A look at how Supported Lodgings helps young people prepare for independence—offering guidance, connection, and care during the transition to adult life.
Helping young people discover their potential with Alison
Published: 15 Sep 2025
From crisis support to university applications, discover how one carer helps young people grow, heal, and thrive in supported lodgings.
Raising Futures with Syd: “I Was Scared, But I Said Yes Anyway”
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Follow our new columnist, foster carer 'Syd' as she talks about overcoming fears and building a future full of love, family and belonging.
Creating an extended family through Mockingbird with Justine
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Discover how Justine supports foster families through the Mockingbird model and why fostering is open to people from all walks of life.
Blending Supported Lodgings with family life with Sameera and Ahmed
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Sameera and Ahmed support young asylum seekers through Supported Lodgings, blending care, culture, and family life.
How becoming a Supported Lodgings carer changed my outlook with Maria
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Maria found purpose as a Supported Lodgings carer, learning patience, connection, and joy through supporting young adults.
Feeling part of the family through Short Breaks with Chris
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Chris, 17, enjoys Short Breaks with carers Bill and Maggie, gaining independence and becoming part of their loving family.
Still loving Supported Lodgings after six years with Andy and Melanie
Published: 18 Aug 2025
After six years, Andy and Melanie still love Supported Lodgings, helping young people grow in confidence, skills, and independence.
Why opening my home to a young person changed my life with Rita
Published: 18 Aug 2025
Rita found joy, purpose, and companionship as a Supported Lodgings carer, helping young people while enriching her own life.
What the Fostering Assessment really feels like with Emma and Karin
Published: 3 Jul 2025
Emma and Karin found the fostering assessment deeply personal, reflective, and enriching, like therapy that brought them closer.
Get in touch
Learn more about our regional work at the Local Authority Fostering South East (LAFSE) website.
Read our blogs in our fostering newsletter
Call 0300 131 2797 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Follow @surreyfostering on Facebook and Instagram