Stories and News

Foster carers at home having a conversation
Fostering Stories

Heather and Andrew share why part-time fostering works for them

Tuesday 17 December 2024

Heather and Andrew have been fostering with Liverpool for 3 years and have started their journey as part-time (respite) foster carers. Here’s their story so far…

Blogs and News

New Approach to Supporting Foster Families

Tuesday 03 December 2024

We’re thrilled to celebrate the launch of our very first Mockingbird constellation – the Orion constellation!

Foster carers son sitting with caption text Children Of Foster Carers Month
Blogs and News

Celebrating children of foster carers

Friday 11 October 2024

During October, we’re celebrating the voices and stories of the incredible children of foster carers, highlighting the crucial role they play in fostering families!

Foster carers, Victoria and Philip
Fostering Stories

Our daughter is the reason we became a fostering family

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Throughout October we’re shining a light on children of foster carers and the vital role they play in welcoming children into their home. Foster carers Victoria and Philip shared how their daughters were central to their decision to foster.

Foster carer Helen portrait
Fostering Stories

"I think what my mum and dad did was fantastic."

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Throughout October we’re shining a light on children of foster carers and the vital role they play in welcoming children into their home. Social Worker Helen shared how growing up in a fostering family made a positive impact to her life.

Foster carers Georgina and Vincent on holiday and wearing wet suits
Fostering Stories

Georgina and Vincent's Story

Thursday 29 August 2024

"I wish we'd taken that first step sooner because we've had absolutely the best year of our lives."

Adult lay alongside sleeping baby, gently stroking babies face
Fostering Stories

Abbie's Story

Monday 12 August 2024

Fostering babies has given Abbie more freedom to spend time with her own family.

Liverpool fostering team wearing matching t-shirts at Chester Zoo
Blogs and News

Who are Foster4?

Monday 12 August 2024

We have come together with 7 other Local Authorities to form an exciting Foster4 collaboration!

A foster carer, June, sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

June Short Breaks Carer

Tuesday 18 June 2024

June tells us about her experiences providing short breaks care to children with additional needs and disabilities.

Foster carers Ian and Toni side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Ian and Toni's Story

Monday 17 June 2024

Ian and Toni have been fostering for 18 years and they shared their experiences with us at our last information event.

Foster carer stood between two children, all smiling
Blogs and News

Can you work and foster?

Monday 10 June 2024

If you are wondering whether you can work and foster the simple answer is YES!

Members of Liverpool Foster Team promoting fostering in gift shop
Blogs and News

Foster4 launch at Chester Zoo

Thursday 06 June 2024

Find out all about the benefits of our new collaboration as part of Foster4

Foster carers Karen and James alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Karen's Story

Friday 26 April 2024

'They came for 4 weeks and stayed for 12 years'

Members of fostering team receiving an award
Blogs and News

'Any of us' film wins award

Friday 22 March 2024

Prestigious award for “Any of Us” council fostering film project.

A foster carer, Erika alongside Foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Erika's Story

Friday 08 March 2024

"They've been able to experience the magic of childhood without the burdens they may have previously faced."

A baby wrapped in blanket in adults arms
Fostering Stories

Victoria's Story

Monday 26 February 2024

"After 13 years, the excitement that you feel when a little one comes into your home doesn’t fade."

Foster carer Lesley alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Lesley's Story

Friday 19 January 2024

"My career has been everything for me, but since having a foster child, my priorities have totally changed and I’m enjoying watching him grow and flourish into a good person."

Young boy smiling as he pops bubbles at the park
Fostering Stories

When is the right time to start fostering?

Friday 05 January 2024

There is no ‘perfect’ time to start the fostering process. Life comes with uncertainty and changes, but here are a few things you may want to consider when starting your fostering journey.

Foster carer sitting on sofa alongside christmas tree
Fostering Stories

The benefits of respite care

Thursday 14 December 2023

Nicola told us about her experiences as a respite carer and how it fits around her life.

A collage of foster families interacting at the beach with the text Any of us can make a difference in a child's life
Blogs and News

Any of us

Thursday 19 October 2023

Our new film ‘Any of us’ follows the journey of three very different foster carers alongside Chloe's journey into foster care. Showing that anyone has the potential to make a difference to a child’s life

The foster team and members of public at a fostering event
Fostering Stories

Claire's Story

Tuesday 17 October 2023

At our recent information event Claire told us how she fits fostering alongside working and how she's been able to progress from respite fostering to caring for children on a longer term basis.

Foster carer Phil sitting alongside young person
Fostering Stories

"It was the most life-changing experience"

Sunday 03 September 2023

Isabelle speaks with foster carer Phil about her life-changing experiences growing up in care

Foster carers Chereece and Grant side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Chereece and Grant's Story

Wednesday 09 August 2023

As a 29 and 26 year old couple, Chereece and Grant initially thought they were too young to foster, until they attended one of our information events.

Foster carers Lynn and Saied side-by-side, Lynn holding bouquet of flowers
Fostering Stories

Celebrating Lynn and Saied after 10 years of fostering

Thursday 08 June 2023

We celebrate Lynn and Saied's achievements as they reach the end of their time fostering. Read Lynn's reflections.

Baby sleeping and holding adults hand
Fostering Stories

Tina and Ashley's Story

Thursday 25 May 2023

Tina and Ashley have fostered babies and toddlers since 2018. They tell us about their experience as baby carers.

Foster carer, Sue, sitting on sofa, smiling, and holding bouquet of flowers
Fostering Stories

Reflecting on 50 years of fostering!

Wednesday 24 May 2023

Sue has dedicated her whole life to helping vulnerable babies, children and families. She shared her thoughts about fostering 415 babies and children over the last 50 years!

Foster carer Safinah smiling alongside foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

It’s the most beautiful thing in life you can do

Friday 12 May 2023

Safinah started fostering in September 2022 and shares what caring for 3- and 6-year-old siblings has been like so far!

Foster carer Phil sat on sofa chatting with foster carer David
Blogs and News

Myth Busting Q&A with foster carers David and Phil

Tuesday 14 March 2023

Foster carers Phil and David help us bust some common myths about fostering!

Fostered young person talking with a professional
Blogs and News

5 Questions to ask before becoming a foster carer

Wednesday 01 March 2023

If you can answer yes to most of these questions then you would make an amazing foster carer!

Child playing clarinet in front of christmas tree
Fostering Stories

The greatest gift is "seeing a child achieve beyond their dreams"

Tuesday 20 December 2022

Foster carer Alison tells us about the amazing achievements of the young person she has cared for over the last six years.

Young person sitting outside at table in the sun
Fostering Stories

The greatest gift is feeling like you belong

Friday 16 December 2022

Kristian shares his story of growing up in care and how the love, care and attention from his foster carers have helped him in life.

Foster carers holding certificate and bouquet of flowers alongside foster4 badge
Fostering Stories

"It’s beyond words when you have really helped a child"

Friday 28 October 2022

Claire and Andy were recently nominated for a special recognition award by their fostering social worker Elaine. We loved hearing why they are so passionate about fostering.

Foster carer Phil smiling with his son
Fostering Stories

Jamie's Story - Growing up as part of a fostering family

Wednesday 05 October 2022

Jaime tells us his story on how being part of a foster family has had such a positive impact on his life!

Foster carers Sarah and Kevin sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

Sarah and Kevin - The rewards of fostering

Monday 08 August 2022

It's been 8 months since Sarah and Kevin welcomed 8 and 10 year old sisters into their home. They share their early fostering experiences and tell us why it's the little things mean so much.

Foster carer holding dog on lap
Fostering Stories

Father's Day - Dom's Story

Thursday 23 June 2022

Dom tells us how fostering has changed his family's life for the better and how rewarding it is to be able to positively affect a child's life.

Foster carers smiling
Fostering Stories

Alan's Story - Fostering as a family

Friday 17 June 2022

For Father's Day, we spoke to foster carer Alan about fostering as a family from his point of view. Including why he was reluctant at first, and how the reality has been completely different to what he expected.

Foster carer Andy stood in front garden wall
Fostering Stories

Father's Day - Alan's Story

Friday 17 June 2022

Alan had considered fostering for many years, but it wasn't until he met his partner Heather and they became foster carers, that he had his first experience of looking after children.

Foster carer David relaxed on sofa
Fostering Stories

People are surprised when I say I'm a foster carer

Tuesday 24 May 2022

David has been fostering with us for a year, but he said sometimes people are surprised this is possible as a single, gay, male.

Collage of children's competition art work
Blogs and News

Stand By Me

Monday 09 May 2022

See the wonderful entries to our STAND BY ME Children's Art competition, which will be brought to life by a local artist and displayed across the city for everyone to see how brilliant they are!

Foster carer, Jacquie sitting on sofa
Fostering Stories

I didn't plan on fostering siblings, but it's the best decision I've ever made!

Wednesday 23 March 2022

When Jacquie became a foster carer four years ago, she didn't plan on caring for siblings. She tells us why saying yes to fostering three sibling sisters is the best decision she's ever made.

Foster carers, Tahir and Amra sitting on sofa and smiling
Fostering Stories

Our first year as a fostering family

Thursday 27 January 2022

Amra and Tahir reflect on their fostering experiences, a year following their approval. They share their thoughts on the assessment process and the rewards and challenges during their first year.

Christmas display of card made by child and picture frame with words 'Home, family, love'
Fostering Stories

Small Milestones Are The Best Gift

Tuesday 21 December 2021

Foster carer Julia tells us what Christmas is like caring for a 6 year old boy with special needs

Foster carer sat on sofa next to christmas tree
Fostering Stories

Christmas Through A Child's Eyes

Monday 20 December 2021

Foster carer Pip tells us about everything she's looking forward to for her first Christmas looking after a 9 year old boy.

Foster carer sitting on sofa alongside christmas tree
Fostering Stories

Fostering At Christmas - Nicola's Story

Saturday 18 December 2021

After developing a close bond with a 15 year old who is currently in residential care, Nicola invited her to stay for Christmas.

A group of foster carers
Blogs and News

Nurturing course is a hit!

Tuesday 02 November 2021

We're currently running a 10 week Nurturing course for some of our foster carers and we're delighted to have such positive feedback.

Foster carer Paula holding a bouquet of flowers next to child's birthday cards and balloon's
Fostering Stories

Despite the goodbyes, it’s the best thing I've ever done

Wednesday 22 September 2021

Paula has been fostering babies for over 16 years. She recently shared her experience and told us why despite the goodbyes, it’s the best thing she’s ever done.

Young boy in school uniform walking hand-in-hand with carer
Blogs and News

First day at a new school for a fostered kid

Tuesday 31 August 2021

A foster carer shares a story of a child's first day at a new school, and their insights into ways of helping a child feel less anxious or worried about the 'big day',

Two foster carers Debbie and Dot with foster children eating ice cream
Fostering Stories

Debbie and Dot's Story - Fostering firsts

Monday 05 July 2021

Deb and Dot reflect on the equal joy and heartache of experiencing 'firsts' both for them and the 3 siblings they foster

Foster carer stephen playing football with young person at park
Fostering Stories

Stephen's Story - Believing in teenagers

Monday 05 July 2021

Steven told us how he feels about fostering teenagers, and why his support and belief means so much to them as at such a crucial age.

Toddler playing with cuddly sheep toy
Blogs and News

The Importance of Play

Thursday 17 June 2021

Liverpool foster carer Hayley shares her experiences of using play therapy to help an 8 year old boy explore and express his emotions.

Foster carers Tony and Vicky arm in arm
Fostering Stories

Fostering Siblings

Wednesday 21 April 2021

Tony and his wife Debbie started fostering in 2017, when their own children were 9, 8 and 6. They currently look after two siblings and a baby, so have lots of experiences to share about fostering siblings and the role of their own children.

A painting of boy and girl from behind with arms around each other
Blogs and News

What about your own children?

Monday 12 April 2021

Foster Carer Phil blogs about the role of birth children within a fostering family.

A white and brown puppy sitting and looking up
Blogs and News

Finding My Fur-Ever Friend

Thursday 01 April 2021

16-year-old Katy has lived with her foster carer Debbie for nearly 4 years. Katy shares a beautifully written story about finding Jake, her 'Fur-Ever' friend.

A child looking down at a book pointing at the words
Blogs and News

Phil's Blog - World Book Day

Thursday 04 March 2021

On World Book Day, fostering Phil shares his thoughts about famous book characters and why we identify with them so much. "Until we started fostering, I’d never realised how many of our literary and film heroes don’t live with their Mum and Dad."

LGBTQ banners being held by Liverpool Council staff and Fostering team staff
Blogs and News

LGBT Fostering

Thursday 25 February 2021

During Pride Month, we share a blog from a same-sex fostering couple, as a reminder that all foster children need is to be part of a loving family in a safe and happy home.

Hands being held up in shape of heart
Blogs and News

Love makes all the difference

Friday 12 February 2021

On Valentines, we wanted to share some wonderful, heart warming (& breaking!) letters from some of our children and young people to their foster carers and to themselves.

Foster carers with quote 'if we compare how he was when he first arrived to now, it just makes us smile'
Fostering Stories

How one weekend turned into something very special

Thursday 28 January 2021

Chris and Amanda have been fostering with Liverpool for 7 months, and what started out as a weekend respite care during lockdown has developed into something much more than anyone could have imagined.

Collage of young person horse riding and dressed for ballet
Fostering Stories

Sister's shine with determination and passion

Thursday 14 January 2021

With the support of their foster carers, sisters Chloe and Jenna have overcome many challenges, and they are now pursuing futures in things they are passionate about.

A collage of fostering Phil and his Mum
Blogs and News

I was a bit nervous about meeting him

Wednesday 16 December 2020

Some lovely thoughts from the Mum of a foster carer, who remembers the first Christmas when their foster child came to visit.

A christmas party collage showing Phil and a selfie frame and disney characters
Blogs and News

We got our first Christmas all wrong!

Tuesday 15 December 2020

Phil tell's us why they got their first Christmas as a foster family wrong and how now it’s become a tradition to consider the ‘true meaning of Christmas’.

Text 'to see them thrive and blossom and have a sense of self-worth, is one of the best things you can experience' Donna
Fostering Stories

You can be their anchor

Tuesday 01 December 2020

During Donna’s 10 years fostering she has seen children progress and feel more safe, secure and happy because of the routine, consistency and stability she has been able to provide.

Foster carers with the quote text 'The love you get in return is priceless'
Fostering Stories

Lynn and Saied's Story

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Lynn and Saied have been fostering for ten years and during that time they have looked after over twenty babies, siblings and teenagers as well as children on an emergency basis.

Young person holding head to side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Change a future - Katlin's Story

Tuesday 17 November 2020

When Katlin first went into foster care she felt embarrassed and only told her best friend. Katlin told us how different she feels now, and how being fostered has helped her achieve what she wanted in life.

A collage of women from different ethnic backgrounds
Blogs and News

Caring for Black and Mixed Heritage Children

Wednesday 14 October 2020

In Black History Month, Foster carer Alison shared with us how she proactively encourages Elle to feel positive and proud of her ethnic and cultural background.

A congratulations banner with the words Well Done Ana!
Blogs and News

Outstanding exam results for Ana!

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Ana arrived in the U.K. as a 12 year old unaccompanied asylum seeker, with her two sisters.  After finding the perfect foster carer and home with Linda, Ana has passed all her GCSE’s with outstanding results!

Foster carer Alison holding a mixing bowl for her young person and the BBC radio 4 logo
Blogs and News

BBC Radio 4 Women's Hour speaks to Alison

Thursday 08 October 2020

Liverpool Foster Carer, Alison, speaks to BBC Radio 4 Women's Hour about her experiences and fostering achievements as a wheelchair user

Collage of two siblings side-by-side and walking on the beach
Fostering Stories

Sons and Daughters Month

Thursday 01 October 2020

Anna gives a very honest and inspiring account of what it's like to be the daughter of foster carers!

Foster carer alongside the foster 4 logo
Fostering Stories

Fostering siblings during lockdown

Thursday 01 October 2020

Pip previously thought that being single, working full time and not owning her own property would all be barriers to fostering. She is now an amazing foster carer to three siblings!

Foster carers Tony and Vicky side-by-side and smiling
Fostering Stories

Foster carer follows in Mum’s Footsteps

Thursday 24 September 2020

Tony and Vicky thought about fostering for a long time, because of the experiences they had whilst Tony’s Mum was a foster carer. Now they share their own experiences as a new foster family.

Foster carer and her pet dog with words 'A great ice breaker pointing to the dog'
Fostering Stories

"Our first year as foster carers"

Wednesday 05 August 2020

Vicky and Gary had known that wanted to foster for 10 years and that when they did, it would be about finding the right time. 9 months into fostering, Vicky shared her thoughts and experiences with us.

Collage of young person smiling and reading
Fostering Stories

Change a future - Bianca's Story

Wednesday 13 May 2020

As a 19 year old on the cusp of an exciting future at University, Bianca is now able to pursue her dreams and realise her potential, because of the opportunities being fostered gave to her.

Foster carers Tony and Vicky smiling
Fostering Stories

Fostering During a Pandemic!

Friday 08 May 2020

Becoming foster carers is without a doubt both exciting and nerve wracking under normal circumstances, but when Coronavirus and lockdown arrived, this added a whole other dimension to Tony and Vicky’s new role as foster carers!

Foster carer Vicky and the words 5 top tips from a new foster carer
Blogs and News

5 top tips from a new foster carer

Tuesday 03 March 2020

These top 5 tips from Vicky, one of our new foster carers, give you an insight into what fostering can be like during the first year.

Foster carer holding newborn baby
Fostering Stories

I welcome them all equally with my heart

Thursday 20 February 2020

When it comes to cultural differences, Amina says to her “Children are children.” All you need is space in your heart and in your home" - Amina.

Foster parents holding newborn baby
Fostering Stories

Could you give a baby a loving home?

Thursday 12 December 2019

Over the last 14 years fostering with Liverpool, Peter and Gaynor have looked after 67 babies, and have found it really rewarding.  Peter told us, “It's something you can put 100% of yourself into, and get 100% and more back.”

The Fostering services team
Blogs and News

Reflective Fostering with NSPCC

Tuesday 24 September 2019

Liverpool City Council Fostering Service are the first in the North West to offer a 'Reflective Fostering' course, in partnership with NSPCC.

Collage of images showing Madlug bags
Blogs and News

From MADLUG with Love

Tuesday 25 June 2019

1000 bags were donated for children in care from MADLUG. We'll be delighted to distribute the bags with their powerful, positive message 'You are incredible'

Foster carer Alison smiling
Fostering Stories

Alison's story

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Alison’s inspirational story shows us that disabled foster carers have huge potential, and that the most important thing about being a good foster carer and achieving success, is the love and support you can offer to a child.

Collage of foster carer Phil and his family
Fostering Stories

Phil’s story

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Phil is married with two birth children and has been fostering since 2010. With his wife, he's fostered some respite and short term placements, but all his current foster children have been with them for over two years.