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Foster carers offer children and young people a safe and loving home in their own local communities.

Lots of people think fostering won’t fit into their lives due to work or family, so I want to tell you about Laura.

Laura is a Nottinghamshire mum working full time with three children of her own. When a friend of her eldest daughter unexpectedly became homeless, Laura didn’t think she had the time or resources to care for another child long term; but finding out the young person had nowhere else to go, she applied to become a foster carer to be that safe place in a time of need.

Three years on, Laura is an approved foster carer who has built a strong and trusting relationship with the young person and has seen her thrive, passing all her GCSEs and moving on to the next stage of her education. 

Laura told me,

“Fostering has opened many doors for me in terms of my own personal development. I have had hours of training and worked alongside some fantastic professionals around the child. 

“I feel my own parenting has improved, which is invaluable when you have four girls in the house – three of them teenagers! 

“Foster care offers vulnerable children a second chance and I recommend it to friends, family and colleagues. 

“I hope to continue to foster more young people in the future. The vocation is as rewarding as it is challenging.”

To anyone considering becoming a foster carer, Laura says,

“I would really, really urge anyone to do it because it is a fantastic opportunity and a real gift.”

It’s because of people like Laura that we can ensure local young people can grow up in a safe, family environment where they can blossom.

Fostering with us means you are helping to keep local children in their communities, close to their families, schools and friends. There are lots of different ways to foster, and we welcome people from all backgrounds.

We’re part of Foster For East Midlands, a recruitment hub that supports you from initial enquiry through to application. Find out more on the regional website, fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk, and contact Foster For East Midlands online or by calling 03033 132950.

I’m really inspired by Laura’s story, and I hope it will inspire others to take the first step towards becoming a foster carer.

Councillor Tracey Taylor
Cabinet Member for Children and Families
Nottinghamshire County Council