Fostering today can change a child’s tomorrow

Fostering a child is one of the most rewarding roles anyone person could. This is why the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council joined their fostering services in April 2012 to provide a dedicated service for fostering across the three west London local authorities.

This has led to the net being cast wider in the search for homes to place vulnerable children and young people within the community.

Foster carers play a valuable role in the development of any child placed with them but this challenging and fun role not only brings joy to the child placed but can have a positive impact on their own children. Like one of our foster carers Sophie experienced.

Sophie talks about how a positive expereince caring for a child impacted her own children’s lives, saying: “I had to think about how best to explain to my children why I was becoming a foster carer. I explained that sometimes mummies can’t look after their babies.”  They reminded her that several of their own school friends were in care.

“They were really excited the day I brought Daniel home; they love him,” said Sophie, 37. “I thought the novelty might wear off, but it hasn’t. The only thing they said they wouldn’t do was pooey nappies!”

Daniel, now eight months old, has been with the family since July. “My 11-year-old daughter likes to give him his last bottle, before bed.

“Daniel’s favourite time of the day is mid-afternoon, when Sophie puts him in the buggy and goes to collect her own children from school.

“When we go to meet them at the school gates, his little legs kick and his arms go!”

If you have ever thought about fostering and you have got the energy, space and time in your lives to foster please get in touch with us on 0800 169 3497 or email us on fostering@rbkc.gov.uk