Why transfer to us?

When you start your fostering journey, you hope it will be with a fostering agency that is the right fit for you. That was the case for Kathryn when she was approved to foster back in February 2012. “My first four years of fostering were with a small agency. It very much had a family feel. Everybody knew each other. Everyone knew each other’s cases. It was just a lovely fit.”

When the agency was bought over by a much larger organisation, Kathyrn opted to transfer to a different fostering provider. The experience was very different. After three years, Kathyrn said she was at breaking point. “There was no support. I didn’t feel they were listening to me or acknowledging my concerns. Three years in, it was a make-or-break situation for me. If I hadn’t transferred to Action for Children Fostering, I probably would have quit fostering.”

Kathryn moved to Action for Children Fostering because of a word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend. “One of my friends had already moved to Action for Children Fostering. They sounded very therapeutic. One of the girls I care for requires additional support and it sounded like the best fit for us all.”

Kathryn has been providing a long-term home for three girls now for the past 9 years. When she made the decision to transfer to Action for Children Fostering, it was important that her foster children came with her. “Action for Children Fostering were so supportive during the transferring process.”

Since transferring, Kathryn feels she has found the right match. “Action for Children Fostering are amazing. The ones I work with – well everyone really – are brilliant. The training is always really good. They’re supportive and kind – and they’re just wonderful with the kids as well. Two of my kids don’t utilise them much, but my middle one, who has additional needs, does. They are just fab."

“Transferring to Action for Children Fostering felt like going back home.”

Reflecting on her experience as a foster carer, Kathyrn would recommend fostering to others. “Fostering has its challenges, but I would definitely recommend it. The most rewarding part is the kids. I’ve had over 50 children through my doors over the years. Some short-term, some long-term, some for respite. Ten years ago, I cared for two little boys before they were adopted. They were 1 and 3-years-old when they left me. I am still in touch with them now. It’s lovely to see them thriving. They’ve got two mums and they’re brilliant. Helping those little boys move to their forever home is my proudest moment in fostering.”

Kathryn concluded, “Fostering is something I always wanted to do from a young age.

It’s the best thing I ever did. I love it; I absolutely love it.”

Find out more about the transferring process.