A foster sibling tell us her side of the story

Many of our foster carers are bringing up their own children too so when you think about fostering, you need to think about the impact that this has on them. You’ll find plenty of stories from our carers about their children’s experiences and how fostering has helped them teach their children life lessons they may otherwise never have had. Many foster carers believe their children have become more understanding and compassionate as a result.

Isabelle, the now grown up daughter of one of our foster carers tells us how she feels about having been part of a foster family during her childhood.

Isabelle explains: “Fostering has given me lots of skills and experience with children and made me want to work with them. I am now training to be an early years practitioner at a local nursery. I enjoy fostering and I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new children over the years and making a difference to their lives.

We have always loved looking after the children who came to stay with us, and we make sure we take them on nice days out and set up different activities that they enjoy. I have liked everything about fostering and we work well as a family.”

You can read Isabelle’s full story here. 

Our foster squad

Brighter Futures for Children run a support group for the children of foster carers, called the Foster Squad. They get together during the school holidays so they can meet other children and young people whose families also foster. It’s a great community sharing a lot of fun together.

Here’s what our foster carers’ children have said

‘When we all meet up, we are given tea and treats. Sometimes we play games and hang out but we also get to go on outings like bowling, Pizza Hut and the cinema. We have also been given gift vouchers to say thank you, it’s great fun!’

Their parents, our foster carers, are also really pleased that they have this opportunity:

‘We feel privileged to be part of the Brighter Futures for Children fostering community and our children are no exception. Our supervising social worker always makes time to check in with them when she visits but it’s especially reassuring that they can attend the Foster Squad events, for down time and support with friends who share the same experience. They always have fun, but are especially proud of their “thank you” certificates and recognition of their commitment also.’

…This is fostering.

You may also find it helpful to read our top tips on managing the impact of fostering on birth children. 

Thinking of fostering?

If you’d like to understand more about the potential impact on your own children, whether they’re young or they have grown up and moved out, get in touch with us and we can help.

  • email us us or call us on 0300 131 2797.
  • You can also use an online from to enquire and you’ll get a call back. Please note this is an external form, but is still connected to us!
  • If you’re not able to foster yourself but would like to help, you can help us spread the word.
    • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and share our posts
    • Tell someone in your network if you think they’d be a great foster carer! Whether a family member, friend or colleague.
    • Invite someone to one of our information events.