This week, Worcestershire Fostering is celebrating Children of Foster Carers Week (13–19 October) – a national campaign that shines a light on the incredible contribution made by the children of foster carers.
These young people play a vital role in their households – helping children in care to feel happier, welcome, safer, and more loved. They are often the first to offer friendship, kindness, and understanding to children joining their family, and their impact is felt every day.
For Worcestershire Fostering, one of the most common questions from new carers is: “How will fostering affect my birth children?”
To answer that, Worcestershire Fostering has been hearing directly from some of these young people – and their words speak volumes.
Louise shared: “It’s been really, really great. I’ve gained extra family members which I feel very grateful about.”
Connie (age 17) remembered the day their first foster baby arrived: “She was dropped on the doorstep in her car seat, and it was just so joyful. I remember playing with her and learning how to be gentle and kind – it was just another sibling. It opened my heart and taught me real empathy.”
Foster carer Lindsey also spoke about how her own children have helped make new arrivals feel settled and secure: “I always think my children are a really good way to help other children settle. They’re really welcoming, they like to share all their toys, and over time it’s just stability and reassurance and building up that trust.”
Adam Johnston, Director of Children’s Services at Worcestershire County Council said: “The children of foster carers are the unsung heroes of fostering. They open their hearts and homes to others, showing empathy, patience, and understanding beyond their years. Fostering not only makes a difference to the children who come into their homes – but we constantly hear how it also enriches the lives of the carers’ own children. They gain new siblings, new experiences, and a deeper sense of compassion that stays with them for life.”
You can hear more from Worcestershire’s foster carers and their children about what it’s like growing up in a fostering family by visiting the Benefits of Fostering pages of our website.
Worcestershire Fostering is also sharing its powerful new short film ‘The Run’ – following Tom’s story of how his foster carers helped him stop running away from danger and start running for joy, knowing someone was there for him. Watch 'The Run' on our website or below:
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