Show all results
Finding Forever: One Family’s Journey from Fostering to Adoption
Fostering stories
Liz, a foster mum from Northampton shows what it means to foster together – as a family of seven. Liz shares with us her inspiring story as an adoptee who went on to adopt her own two sons from foster care.
Becoming a foster sister: Caitlin’s Story
Fostering stories
Caitlin’s parents foster with Orange Grove. She shares the impact fostering has had on her and what it’s really like being a foster sibling.
The Challenges and Joys of Fostering: Denise’s Story
Fostering stories
Denise has fostered 20 children over the past decade. In this honest account, she reflects on the realities of fostering – from building trust and overcoming challenges to learning therapeutic parenting and celebrating the profound joys that come with making a difference.
Julie’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
How love, loss and a leap of faith led to a life-changing journey. Julie shares her experience of fostering so far.
“My only regret is that I didn’t apply sooner!”: Diana’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
Diana, a courageous single mum who overcame cancer before beginning her fostering journey, now cares for four children in her single-parent home. She shares her incredible story and the beautiful family she’s built through fostering.
First time empty nesters: Michael & Roberts’ Story
Fostering stories
First-time empty nester Michael shares how fostering brought purpose and joy to his life – and why he encourages others to start their journey too.
LGTBQ+ Fostering: Meet Jodie & Holly
Fostering stories
First-time foster mums, Jodie and Holly, share their experiences from their first year of fostering – and why they believe you don’t need parenting experience to be a great foster parent.
Fostering as a Family: Meet Sarah & Peter
Fostering stories
Sarah, Peter and their teenage son knew they had a lot of love to give and started their fostering journey with Orange Grove almost 3 years ago. Today, they look back on their journey so far!
Caroline’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
After a divorce, Caroline felt something was missing in her life, leading her to begin her fostering journey. Now, a few years into her career, she shares the incredible rewards of caring for siblings.
Charlotte & Megan’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
Join Charlotte and Megan on their fostering journey as they welcome a little girl into their home, experiencing the joys and challenges of being first-time foster parents.
Kathy’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
Retired teacher, Kathy, shares her fostering journey so far and how she feels privileged to be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Annette’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
Over a 15-year fostering career, Annette has supported more than 20 children and became a ‘Special Guardian’ for three of them.
Kem and Eric’s Story
Fostering stories
Kem and Eric have been fostering for over 13 years. In our latest campaign, we hear from the couple and some of the young people whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary family.
Debbie’s Fostering Story
Fostering stories
Meet the foster mum who has provided a home for life for the young people in her care…
Sarah’s Fostering Journey
Fostering stories
Sarah shares how empty nest syndrome was the motivation she needed to become a foster parent and the incredible journey she’s been on ever since.
Celebrating 15 Years of Fostering
Fostering stories
Yorkshire foster parents, Maggie and Allen, have recently celebrated their 15-year fostering anniversary. Today, they share some of the highlights of their fostering career.
“Our foster child has made us better people”
Fostering stories
Despite never having children of their own, newly approved foster parents, Lynne and Ian, recently welcomed their first child into their home and are already making an extraordinary difference.
“Fostering is so rewarding and so worthwhile”
Fostering stories
After wanting to foster all their lives, Debra and Graham finally made it happen 3 years ago. Today, they share their fostering story so far…
“He said to me that we were like his foster grandparents”
Fostering stories
Respite foster carer, Karen, talks about how she and her husband became respite foster parents for Orange Grove.
Welcoming our first foster child into our home
Fostering stories
Michelle and Andy have had their own child fly the nest already, and now at the age of 48 and 51, the couple share their journey of welcoming their new foster children into their home.
“I have everything I need with Jackie”
Fostering stories
Olivia* was just 10 years old when she came to live with her foster parent, Jackie. Today, Olivia reflects on her emotional journey living in foster care.
“It’s important to think about fostering when you’re younger”
Fostering stories
Alarna and Jermayne, 26-year-olds want to encourage other young people to start their fostering journey sooner rather than later.
“Fostering has had such a positive impact on my life”
Fostering stories
Lynette has cared for 34 children in 7 and a half years. Today, she shares her experience as a foster parent.
“Never give up, you can make a difference”
Fostering stories
Lindsey and Scott had always dreamed of becoming foster parents. However, it wasn’t until the sad passing of Lindsey’s mother that the couple decided to take their first step.
“I began to see an amazing change in him”
Fostering stories
After some turbulent teenage years, Alison turned her life around and now uses her experience to help vulnerable young people as a foster parent.
“Being in care was the best thing that ever happened to me”
Fostering stories
Zacc was first placed in foster care with Ruth and Suso over 15 years ago, when he was only four and a half years old, and has gone on to achieve some extraordinary things.
”Fostering changed our lives for the better!”
Fostering stories
Jim and Jeanette have always wanted children of their own. Fostering gave them so much more than what they expected; it changed their lives forever.
“Fostering has given us a new purpose.”
Fostering stories
Alan and Annemarie decided to embark on a journey into fostering after having been surrounded by children their whole lives
“I knew that I had the time and energy to help young people on the right path in life”
Fostering stories
Nat was inspired to start her fostering journey after working with children in a special needs school and seeing the extraordinary work of foster carers.
“When a child allows you to hold their hand or give you a hug – you can’t beat it”
Fostering stories
Teresa shares how her challenging teenage years have helped her to relate to the children she’s cared for.
“Fostering has had a positive impact on our family life”
Fostering stories
Fiona and her husband Jonathon share how they’ve been able to give children they’ve cared for, a better start in life.
“We wanted to make a difference to children and young people in our home”
Fostering stories
After fostering for just over a year, Chantelle and her partner Sophie already feel settled into their new role as foster carers.
“If you’re LGBTQ and interested in fostering, we can’t recommend it enough”
Fostering stories
Same-sex couple, James and Simon, share their experience becoming foster parents and the support they’ve received from Orange Grove.
“We love him like he’s one of our own”
Fostering stories
Suso shares how he’s fostered over 40 children in 20 years, despite losing his wife nearly 10 years ago.
“It’s these small things that make you realise that everything you are doing as a family is completely worthwhile”
Fostering stories
Kenya shares what’s it’s like being part of a family who fosters and having four more brothers and sisters.
“The lives of my own children have been so enriched by this whole experience”
Fostering stories
Brigitte shares the positive influence fostering a group of four siblings has had on her own children and the great bond they share.
“One young person I fostered is still in my life today and calls me ‘mum’
Fostering stories
Dawn started her fostering career over 26 years ago, after many years babysitting and childminding.