For Sarah, the desire to work with children had always been there, even if her career took a different path. Early in her marriage to Steve, they explored fostering but decided to wait while they raised their own family. With four children of their own, life was busy – but the idea of fostering never disappeared.
a lifelong calling to care
Rooted in strong personal values, the decision to foster felt deeply meaningful.
“Fostering reflects my Christian values, particularly caring for vulnerable children and showing compassion to those in need. For me, it has always felt important to live out those values in a practical way.“
Family and friend influences also played a role. Sarah grew up hearing family stories about foster care and adoption. Her grandmother worked for Coram, an organisation who supported vulnerable children. She also gained a deeper understanding from her mum, who often spoke about her experiences and that of her adoptive brother. Sarah was also fortunate enough to have friends who had fostered in the past. All those conversations, alongside her Christian faith and values around compassion and care, shaped her belief that a safe, loving home can have a positive impact on a child.
finding the right time
Although fostering had been on Sarah’s mind for many years, it wasn’t until their children were older that the family felt ready to take the next step. Their home life was settled, and they felt confident they could meet the needs of another child.
As Steve is a social worker within Swansea Council, they initially thought this might be a barrier and affect their application. However, Steve received strong support from management and the local authority as a whole.
“A foster-friendly approach from Swansea Council made a significant difference in helping us a family move forward with our desire to foster.”
When their worries about being suitable were alleviated, they decided to give fostering a go.
They began by caring for one child on a short-term basis to see how it would work for us all. Once that child moved on, they reflected as a family together and decided to continue with short-term fostering.
the importance of support
Support from Foster Wales Swansea has been central to Sarah & Steve’s positive experience.
“The support is incredibly important. Fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, and knowing there is always someone to guide and reassure you makes a huge difference. There is also a strong sense of appreciation shown to both carers and their birth children.”
From training opportunities to family activities, the service has helped them grow in confidence, build positive memories together, and feel part of a wider fostering community.
“Foster Wales Swansea provide many activities during school holidays and special occasions, which helps children feel included and gives our family opportunities to spend positive, relaxed time together and meet other foster families.”
When Sarah went through extremely difficult circumstances – she was extremely appreciative of the support she received.
“When my dad sadly passed away, we had to travel to France at very short notice. Foster Wales Swansea provided immediate support, arranging respite care so the family could travel without added stress. Our supervising social worker was incredibly compassionate and supportive, which meant a great deal to us.”
a rewarding and eye-opening experience
Sarah and Steve primarily foster babies and young children on a short-term basis Staying in touch and seeing children settled and thriving has been incredibly special for their family, as well as transformative.
“Fostering has deepened my understanding of why children come into care. It has given me greater compassion for both children and their birth families.”
They have also found reward in maintaining positive relationships with birth families, helping to create a sense of connection for the children through thoughtful gestures like keepsakes and video memories. Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of supporting a child’s identity and wider relationships.
small milestones, big impact
For Sarah, some of the most powerful moments in fostering are the quiet, everyday milestones.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering so far has been building trust with a child, especially in those early moments. The small milestones like a child engaging more or relaxing enough for the first time to accept comfort, feel incredibly meaningful.”
One particularly memorable experience involved a baby who initially showed little response or need for comfort. Over time, through patience and consistency, the child began to seek reassurance.
“The first time they relaxed into a cuddle was incredibly special; it felt like the moment they realised they were safe and could trust. Seeing that transition was both rewarding and humbling.”
These moments reaffirm the importance of patience, consistency, and providing a secure environment.
navigating challenges
Like all foster carers, Sarah and Steve have also faced challenges. Changes to family time arrangements, for example, can be confusing and difficult for young children, especially when contact with their birth family reduces.
“These experiences have helped me recognise how important it is to support children through transitions and uncertainty.”
They also find the uncertainty that sometimes comes with fostering a challenge, particularly, around the long-term outcomes for children.
“There are not always as many adopters as people might expect, and at times it can feel unsettling not knowing what the future will hold for certain children.”
a family effort
Fostering has had a positive impact on the whole family. Their youngest child, in particular, has developed empathy and a deeper understanding of others.
Sarah emphasises that fostering is not something you do alone – it’s a shared commitment that brings the whole family together.
looking back – and looking ahead
Some of Sarah’s favourite memories are the simple ones – celebrating milestones, capturing moments, and creating positive experiences for the children in their care.
“I always hope these moments will give children something positive to look back on in the future.”
advice for those considering fostering
For anyone thinking about fostering, Sarah encourages them to take that first step.
“If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, I would encourage you to explore it. You don’t have to have everything figured out, just being open to that first conversation is a great step.”
She also highlights the importance of involving the whole family and being honest about what will work for you.
“Fostering is a real commitment, but there are many different ways to do it and there will likely be something that can suit a wide range of families and circumstances.”
start your own fostering journey
If you’re curious about fostering but unsure how it might impact your family, we’re here to help. Our team can talk you through the process, explain how your children will be supported, and answer any questions you have.
Contact Foster Wales Swansea on 0300 555 0111 for a friendly, no-pressure chat or get in touch here.
