Laura’s Story: Finding the Right Time to Foster

We sat down with Laura*, one of our incredible foster carers, to hear about her journey into fostering and the difference it has made to her life and the child she supports.

Laura lives with her daughter and their cat. She works full time as a manager, mainly from home, and describes herself as close friends with her daughter’s dad, who is a part of her support network. She began fostering around nine months ago, after years of thinking about it.

“I’ve always wanted to foster,” Laura explains. “But it was important to make sure it was the right time for my family.”

Growing up, Laura saw first-hand what it meant to open your home to others. Her mum had what she describes as “the biggest heart”, always welcoming her friends if they were struggling at home. Whether it was a hot meal or a place to stay, Laura’s mum created a safe and caring space. She also fostered when Laura was a teenager, which left a lasting impression.

Later in life, Laura’s work brought her into contact with care leavers. Hearing their experiences, and understanding how much a stable, nurturing home can matter, strengthened her motivation.

“It made me realise how much of a difference just one person believing in you can make.”

Laura reflects that fostering is deeply personal for her.

“It gives me the opportunity to be the person I needed as a child.”

For a long time, Laura put fostering on hold for one important reason: her daughter. Their bond is incredibly strong, and Laura wanted to be sure it was the right time for both of them.

That moment came when her daughter began to gain independence.

“She started spending more time in her room, talking to friends, doing her own thing. I realised she didn’t need me in quite the same way anymore. That’s when I thought, maybe I can do this now.”

Speaking to the team at Step by Step helped turn that thought into action.

“They made the whole process feel manageable, much easier than I’d built it up to be in my head.”

Like many people considering fostering, Laura had her concerns. She questioned whether she would be “good enough” and worried about being judged, especially when it came to sharing her own life experiences during the assessment process.

“I’d heard people say how intrusive it could be, and that made me nervous. Opening up like that isn’t something I’d really done before.”

“They do ask questions about your past and upbringing, but it’s to show the resilience you’ve developed rather than to catch you out. The social workers at Step by Step are not judgmental at all and really want the best for you so this makes you feel at ease.”

She also had worries about how fostering might affect her home life, particularly her relationship with her daughter.

“We talked about it openly. Years ago, she wasn’t ready, so we waited. Now, we make sure we still have our time together every evening. It’s actually helped her grow more independent too.”

Some of Laura’s initial assumptions about fostering turned out not to be true. She believed she might not be able to foster as a single person or continue working alongside it.

“That was a big misconception for me. You can absolutely do both.”

What reassured her most was the support from Step by Step.

“They were always there to answer questions, never judgmental, and they genuinely made me feel like I could do this.”

Training, including the Skills to Foster course, gave her the confidence and preparation she needed, as well as the opportunity to connect with other foster carers.

When the time came to welcome her foster child into her home, Laura describes a mix of excitement and nerves.

“It was scary and exciting at the same time. I knew I wanted to do this long term, so I worried about letting them down.”

To help them settle in, Laura created a warm and thoughtful welcome, including a keepsake box, small gifts, and familiar comforts. They had already spent time together before the placement, which helped build trust from the start.

Now, daily life has found its rhythm.

“Every day is different, just like with any child. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”

From morning routines and school runs to shared meals, games, and weekend outings, Laura has created a home filled with structure, care, and connection.

The impact has been profound.

“Seeing how much happier they are is everything. They tell me this is the best family ever.”

Laura has witnessed incredible progress, from improved sleep and routines to growing confidence in school and daily life. One moment stands out above all.

“They wrote me a birthday card that said, ‘Thank you for making me feel safe.’ That meant everything.”

Of course, fostering comes with challenges. Hearing about a young person’s past experiences can be difficult, and there are times when emotions and behaviours feel overwhelming.

“You can’t be perfect, and you shouldn’t try to be. What matters is providing a safe, stable, normal home.”

Support from Step by Step has been a constant throughout.

“They’re always there, at the end of the phone whenever you need them. You’re never on your own.”

Fostering has not only changed the life of the young person in Laura’s care, it has changed hers too.

“It’s life-changing. It gives you purpose. You see the difference you can make so quickly.”

She reflects on how the experience has helped her grow, learning to be patient, to ask for support, and to recognise the impact she is making.

“We’re building this journey together. We have a happy child who feels safe and loved, and that’s what matters.”

For anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer, Laura’s message is simple:

“Just do it. You are good enough. You will be supported every step of the way, and you can make such a difference.”

*Name changed to protect foster carer and child.