Karen stepped away from a full-time job to become a foster carer. At the time, it felt like a risk. Six and a half years on, she has no doubts. “It was the best decision I ever made,” she says. “I go to bed knowing what I’ve done matters.”

 

Helping children had always been part of Karen’s life. From the age of sixteen, she had supported young people in different settings, and fostering was something she had thought about for a long time.

 

Adoption had once been on her mind too, but she knew she needed to be certain. “I had to do a lot of research,” she explains. “I needed to really understand what fostering was about, and whether it was right for me.”

 

For Karen, the motivation was simple and personal. “It was about loving children and being able to make a difference,” she says. “Being there for a young person who maybe hasn’t had the best start in life, and helping to support them through that.”

 

Her family and friends were not surprised when she took the step. They had seen her commitment first-hand. Alongside her work, Karen had been involved in the running of a youth group for eighteen years. “They all said the same thing,” she laughs. “That it was the perfect role for me.”

 

Karen went into fostering with her eyes open. She knew there would be challenges, and she knew no two children would ever be the same. “You have to be open minded,” she says. “Every child has different needs, different experiences, different trauma.” But fear was not what guided her decision. “I’d done my homework. I knew I had support around me.”

 

That support has been central to her experience. From day one, Karen felt part of a wider fostering community. She was linked with experienced carers, supported by her Supervising Social worker, and backed by Support Workers when children needed extra help. “Knowing that support is there is critical,” she says. “Especially as a solo carer. You never feel on your own.”

 

She speaks particularly powerfully about Care Visions 24/7 support. When she was faced with a medical emergency, having a calm, trained voice at the end of the phone made all the difference. “It’s not just about supporting the child,” Karen says. “They support you, too. And that matters.”

 

Over time, Karen’s understanding of fostering has deepened. “You quickly realise there are so many reasons why children come into care” she says. “And what these children need is stability, love, and someone to nurture them as part of a family.”

 

She also highlights the importance of short breaks within fostering. “They’re critical,” she explains. “For children, for carers, for everyone.” Whether it’s supporting another foster family, offering a change of scenery, or allowing carers time to rest and recharge, short breaks are part of how the fostering community supports itself.

 

When Karen reflects on the impact fostering has had on her life, her answer is immediate. “It’s changed everything,” she says. “I don’t miss the life I had before. This is the life I wanted.”

 

It is hard work. She never pretends otherwise. But it is meaningful. “You’re making a difference,” Karen says. “Every single day.”

 

And for anyone quietly considering fostering, her advice is thoughtful and honest. “It’s not something you rush into,” she says. “Think about the change it will bring. Make sure you have support. But if it’s right for you, it’s incredible.”

 

She pauses, then smiles.
“I just wish I’d done it sooner.”

If you want to learn more about fostering and the difference it can make to your life and the lives of children and young people - please click here.