Diverse Fostering

02/02/2026

First men’s and ladies’ support group of the year. More of a cuppa and chat type of day as the weather was so grey and damp. Next time we may even do some walking!

29/01/2026

When talking to people about becoming a foster carer the most common reason for people saying that they cant foster is because they would get too attached.

This is a great explanation of why children need foster carers who do get too attached.

Thank you to all those foster carers who have their heart broken and then go and do it all again. ❤

Having a child move in without knowing how long they’ll stay, loving them, teaching them & guiding them while also getting attached & possibly watching them leave, sometimes with only a moment’s notice—makes you wonder why anyone would willingly open themselves up to this kind of a broken heart.

It may sound scary to think about. & honestly, it is. But what scares me more is what insecure attachment does to children who, through no fault of their own, were removed from their closest connections.

A child who doesn’t develop secure attachment during their developmental years can experience heartbreaking & sometimes lifelong effects. Beyond the pain, the brokenness & the confusion, they may struggle with low self-esteem, emotional processing, impulse control, coping skills & social skills. They can experience aggression & high stress levels. They may become clingy, withdrawn, or carry deep feelings of rejection.

& these are just some of the things we see.

I never want to minimize the grief foster parents go through because it is real in every way. It is painful & confusing. It is whole body exhausting. I’ve been there. The hurt can run so deep you wonder if the holes in your heart will ever heal.

But I can say without a doubt that I would rather keep investing my hole-filled heart & live with the residual pain than allow a child to go without someone loving them with their whole heart while they are in foster care.

22/01/2026

Interesting podcast about the real life experiences of author Louise Allen who was herself in care and is now a foster carer.

She talks about the increasing amount of children in care and why she thinks that is and also about the decline of foster carers leaving a need for 6500 more fostering families.

MP Josh MacAlister is currently reviewing foster care in the UK.

Louise has her own ideas how to improve fostering which includes focusing on retention of current foster carers by improving support for foster carers as foster carers are the greatest advocates for fostering.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002qwc4/radical-with-amol-rajan-how-to-fix-the-fostering-crisis

Diverse Fostering take seriously the need for support of our foster carers as we understand how important it is that they feel valued, so they can help the children in their care to feel valued and loved so that they can thrive.

contact us for more information about becoming a foster carer.

As the government prepares a strategy to boost fostering in England, Amol speaks to foster carer Louise Allen about the crisis in the system and what it will take to fix it.

20/01/2026

Always something to learn, this video is a great way to understand what is happening in our teenagers' brain.

Delve into the fascinating world of adolescent brain development with Dr. Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine. In this enligh...

19/01/2026

When children are applying for further and higher education if they have ever (even if not currently) been in foster care they are being encouraged to tick the box on forms to let the education provider know.

This can help them access further support and funding to help with their transition to further and /or higher education. Check out Fostering Network 's article that explains it more depth.

It's not too late to tick the box.

The Fostering Network’s Tick the Box campaign encourages care-experienced young people to access the support they are entitled to in further and higher education.

18/01/2026

Check out this novel about some of the realities of fostering written by a foster carer.

"Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers."

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. For a full refund with no deduction for return shipping, you can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition.

15/01/2026

Fostering Network is the UK's leading fostering charity, bringing together everyone who is involved in the lives of fostered children to make foster care the very best it can be.

09/01/2026

Who's watching Traitors? Was worried it wasn't going to be as good as the Celebrity one but it's warming up well. Love people watching. Also Fostering and Adoption is in the mix too!

Well you didn't expect me to post something that doesn't mention fostering did you?

Watch the latest season of Traitors on BBC / Iplayer.

Consider becoming a foster carer with Diverse Fostering. Check out our website www.diversefostering.co.uk and get in touch if you want to find out more.

07/01/2026

Christmas may be over but couldn't not share these amazing photos taken by the amazing . Each fostering family were able to have some family photos taken too.

These were from our 2025 Awards ceremony and Christmas party where we celebrated the achievements of every child and adult in our fostering families. They each received a certificate given by the Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor and adults also got a voucher.

Disco Daddy - Award Winning Entertainment helped keep the children (and adults) occupied and we also had lots of balloon animals

Had an amazing buffet from Oasis Catering

Santa gave each child a present and the families also received a lovely Christmas hamper.

We enjoyed dressing up and celebrating together and some of us may of ended up as elves.

06/01/2026

Are you looking for a change of career?

Have your children moved out and you now have a spare bedroom?

Want a make a difference in 2026?

Have you thought about becoming a foster carer for ages but never made that first step, make 2026 your year for making that step into fostering!

This article describes one person's journey to becoming a foster carer after meeting children/teenagers through his job.

Find out more about becoming a foster carer with Diverse Fostering by checking out our website www.diversefostering.co.uk. Get in touch if you want to find out more.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2gy7pp88mo?utm_social_post_id=642589376&at_link_id=5D111CD8-EA0B-11F0-ADC3-ADE492914296&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_format=image&at_link_origin=BBC_Oxfordshire&at_link_type=web_link&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&at_medium=social&utm_social_handle_id=354016597974101&at_campaign_type=owned&fbclid=IwdGRjcAPIszNjbGNrA8iy52V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHp16BkbJK-XYNqHDZkNrc1JKf78t1XLlQGRed3hh3XnLbyYARUjPAnTGlcDl_aem_5k3LeCkHyhFQNMsNX_RHkg

Chris says a lack of placements for children being taken into care shows the strain on the system.

05/01/2026

Have you managed to get to work on this snowy day? Lots of schools are shut. Are you juggling childcare and working from home? You looking forward to getting out in the snow or are you under a blanket watching a movie?

Perhaps you'll have time to make some new years resolutions.

Consider making a difference by fostering with Diverse Fostering.

Check out our website www.diversefostering.co.uk for more information and get in touch to make the first step.

01/01/2026

It's 2026! Happy New Year!
Make a new resolution to find out more about fostering with Diverse Fostering.
Check out our website www.diversefostering.co.uk for further information