Let's Talk About Fostering

How the Fostering Panel Works | Behind the Scenes with Fostering People

What happens at a fostering panel and how do you become an approved foster carer? In this episode of the Let's Talk About Fostering podcast, we speak to Jan Widowen, who is retiring after 20 years as a fostering panel administrator at Fostering People. Jan shares insights into how the fostering panel works, what applicants can expect, and why the assessment process is so important when approving foster carers. If you're thinking about becoming a foster carer, this episode explains what happens behind the scenes and why the panel process is such an important step in the fostering journey.

Men in Fostering: Why Positive Male Role Models Matter 🎧 Let’s Talk About Fostering Podcast

What does it really mean to be a man in fostering? In this episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering, host Faye chats to foster dad Phil, who fosters with his wife Leanne and their three daughters for Clifford House. Phil opens up about challenging gender stereotypes, being a hands-on dad, why vulnerability matters, and the huge impact a positive male role model can have on children in care – especially those who may never have had one before. He also shares honest reflections on welcoming their first foster child, balancing the needs of birth and foster children, and why men (including single men) have so much to offer in fostering.

What are the Different Types of Foster Care? 🎧 Let's Talk About Fostering

Faye and FCA foster parent Claudia break down different types of fostering – from long-term and “staying put” to parent and child and siblings – and how to find the right fit for your family. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fostering. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering from the Polaris Community, host Faye sits down with foster parent Claudia from Foster Care Associates (FCA) in Oxfordshire. Claudia lives with her husband, their birth daughter and four foster children – and has years of experience with different types of fostering. Together, they explore: - What long-term, short-term and respite fostering actually mean - How “staying put” works when a young person turns 18 – and why it can be life-changing - What parent and child fostering is, and how it helps keep families together - Why some siblings are fostered together – and why sometimes they shouldn’t be - Fostering children from different racial and cultural backgrounds - The importance of identity, culture and belonging for children in care - Claudia’s most powerful fostering moments – from a driving test pass to a “non-verbal” child finding his voice Claudia also shares: - How her own cultural background shaped the way she supports parents and children - Why staying put can give care-experienced young people a fairer start in adult life - What makes parent and child fostering so rewarding – and how it can change whole family trees for generations - If you’re wondering which type of fostering might be right for you and your family, this episode is a great place to start.

Could I Foster? Andy & Mike Share Their Journey 🎧 Let’s Talk About Fostering

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering, Faye chats to married couple Andy and Mike, who foster with therapeutic fostering agency ISP in the Midlands. They share their journey from first conversations about starting a family to becoming full-time foster parents to two amazing 13-year-olds. In this episode, we cover: - Why Andy and Mike chose fostering to grow their family - What children in care may have been through – and why that matters - What therapeutic fostering is (and how it differs from “traditional” parenting) - The reality of the assessment and life-story process - How being a same-sex couple was received in the fostering community - Working alongside fostering, then moving into full-time fostering - Supporting children with additional needs and autism - Building a sibling-like bond between two unrelated children - Involving birth families and keeping relationships positive - Why you don’t need previous parenting experience to foster - The truth about money, fostering allowances and mortgages - Quickfire FAQs: working, renting, being single, having your own children, being LGBTQ+ - Favourite fostering moments that remind them “this is why we do it”

It Takes a Village: Real Stories of Fostering 🎧Let’s Talk About Fostering

In this episode, we explore how foster parents strengthen communities, support children, and work closely with local services to create lasting change. We sit down with Theresa, a foster parent from Fosterplus in Gloucestershire and Jim, who is responsible for a number of our individual fostering agencies here at Polaris. We will explore how foster parents help shape stronger, safer, and more supportive communities across the UK. From building trust with birth families to navigating complex care needs, this conversation highlights the real experiences and incredible impact foster parents make every day. What we cover: - How foster carers support wider communities - Why collaboration with professionals is essential - The challenges and rewards of long-term care - Practical advice for future foster parents