Meet Jenny

When Jenny first considered fostering, it was a practical decision. With young children and a home that could accommodate more, fostering seemed like a way to make a difference while fitting around family life. Thirteen years later, Jenny reflects on a journey that has been “a whirlwind – amazing, heartbreaking, frustrating, and rewarding all at once.”

Jenny is candid: “It’s not for the faint-hearted,” she says. “You live and breathe it. There are no sick days, no bank holidays. You open your home and your heart, and sometimes decisions are made that you don’t agree with.” Yet, despite the challenges, Jenny insists the rewards outweigh the difficulties.

For one young person who came to Jenny just before her 15th birthday, life would change forever. Jenny had provided respite care for her before, so when her long-term placement broke down, Jenny and her family didn’t hesitate. “We all sat down and agreed - she needed stability, and we could give her that.” What followed was three years of growth, trust, and unconditional love.

“She just wanted to belong, she wanted a family who loved her for who she is.” Now, she has that. At 18, she has legally changed her surname to the family name. “She’s part of our family, lock, stock, and two smoking barrels,” Jenny smiles. Jenny also has another child, who although is now in her twenties, has remained part of the family after her foster placement. “When people ask how many kids I have, I say five because they are both ours, just like our 3 birth children.”

Jenny’s approach has always been about inclusion. Holidays, family traditions, even the boring bits – she made sure her foster child was part of it all.

"If we go on holiday, you come with us. If we visit grandparents, you’re there too. That’s what family means."

The young person thrived, passed her driving test, and is now stepping into adulthood with confidence and security.

Jenny’s honesty about fostering is refreshing. She acknowledges the hard parts - sharing your time with birth children, navigating rules, and managing emotions - but she also highlights the profound impact it can have. “It’s taught my children empathy. It’s shown them resilience. And it’s given us all a bigger sense of what family really means.”

Now, as Jenny moves into a new role as a social worker in the fostering team, she brings invaluable experience. “I get it,” she says.

"I’ve lived it. I know what foster carers go through, and I want to support them in a way that makes them feel understood."

Her message to anyone considering fostering?

Fostering takes a special kind of person but if you have space in your home and your heart, then make the call and if it’s meant for you, then let the adventure begin.

Interested in becoming a foster carer?

Request an information pack

Telephone: 0300 300 8181