As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are celebrating the everyday moments, thoughtful gestures, and relationships that make such a difference across our fostering community.
This story comes from Elaine, one of our foster carers, who wanted to recognise the support she has received from her Senior Supervising Social Worker, Vicki, from our North East team.
When asked why she wanted to nominate Vicki, Elaine shared a moment that perfectly captures the quiet kindness and thoughtfulness that can mean so much to foster families and the children they care for.
“Vicki often goes out of her way to show kindness to J&J. Prior to JRG’s 18 birthday she had some money to spend as a gift from the CFT. JRG is a huge Formula 1 fan and loves all the F1 merchandise. Vicki offered to ask her son to buy some F1 merchandise from America where he was working at the time.”
For many people, fostering is often associated with the big milestones and life-changing moments – but so much of fostering is found in the smaller, everyday acts of care and thoughtfulness. Remembering what a young person enjoys, helping to make a birthday feel special, or simply showing that someone is truly seen and valued can have a lasting impact.
Elaine explained that this moment stood out because it reflected the kind of support Vicki consistently provides.
“Vicki is so thoughtful and this is just one example of how she goes above her role to do a kind gesture and thinks nothing of it.”
Support within fostering is incredibly important – not just for children and young people, but for carers too. Having people around you who genuinely care, listen, and look for ways to help can make all the difference during both the rewarding and challenging moments of fostering.
Elaine shared how this support has impacted her personally as a foster carer.
“As the children’s foster carer this is another example which confirms the wonderful support I receive from Vicki and the CFT during my fostering role.”
The “This is Fostering” campaign shines a light on the relationships that sit at the heart of fostering – relationships built on trust, encouragement, compassion, and teamwork.
Stories like this remind us that fostering is never done alone. Behind every foster family is a wider community of people working together to help children feel cared for, celebrated, and supported.
Reflecting on the difference Vicki has made, Elaine said:
“It made me feel incredibly lucky to have a social worker who tries really hard to give the children special moments in their life.”
Often, it is these special moments that stay with children and young people for years to come – the moments where somebody noticed what mattered to them and made the effort to make them smile.
Elaine also highlighted the everyday support Vicki brings to her role.
“Vicki always looks for opportunities to help and support me and the children.”
And when asked what she would say directly to Vicki, Elaine’s message was simple but powerful:
“Keep doing what you do as you make a huge difference.”
This story is a wonderful reminder that fostering is not only about life-changing outcomes – it is also about the everyday kindness, care, and support that help children and families feel valued, understood, and never alone.
