There are lots of different reasons why people foster, but usually it is because they want to make a difference in the lives of children and young people through difficult times.

This maybe for a short duration following which the child or children may return home, or for a much longer period where they will remain with you through to adulthood.

Being in foster care and having to move to live with complete strangers is scary, confusing and upsetting. Often our children will have experienced significant disruption and trauma which will be reflected in their behaviour and how they relate to others.

In all situations our Foster Carers are motivated to provide the highest possible standards of care to ensure our children can reach their full potential in a stable, loving and caring environment.

Foster Carers need to have patience and a willingness to understand how past experiences can adversely impact on a child’s self image, esteem and social skills.

Foster Carers try to be flexible and creative in their approach to the way they meet the challenges that they will encounter.

The reward in fostering is knowing that you have played a part in helping a child to grow in a safe environment, where they feel listened to and supported.

Foster Carers are resilient and dedicated, ordinary people who make an amazing difference to transform the lives of vulnerable young people.


Each local authority will have its own fostering department and will take lead responsibility when determining if children need to come into care.

On every occasion they must ensure that they find the best way for children to receive the best possible care.
Independent foster agencies, such as Kasper, provide specialist fostering services to local authorities.

We work in partnership as part of this professional team, providing our own foster carers, social workers and therapists.

“ Dear ‘R’ (Foster Carer), I am writing to thank you for the way in which you handled the smooth transition of …’s placement with his adoptive parents. You were professional throughout the introductions and maintained a warm and supportive atmosphere for the adopters”
Social Worker – LB of Waltham Forest

Fostering means offering a substitute home to a child or children who need to be looked after for many reasons.

This may include when a child’s parent is suffering from ill health, have died or have mental health, drug or alcohol related problems. Children will also need to be looked after due to abuse, neglect and having witnessed violence within the home.

Our foster carers are as unique and diverse as the children they care for. Often people rule themselves out from being a foster carer as they have a set idea as to who can become a carer.

Foster carers are all ages, may or may not have had their own children, are represented by all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, are married, in partnerships, in same sex relationships or single.

It doesn’t matter whether you are unemployed or work full or part-time at the moment. What is important is that you are willing to learn and develop your skills further and be available to attend the ongoing training, meetings and be fully available to meet the daily needs of any children in your care.


To discuss further, contact Kate Hamilton-Harris at Kasper Fostering, telephone 01227 275985.