As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are continuing to share the stories that reflect the compassion, commitment, and everyday realities of fostering.
This story comes from Natalie, a Practice Team Manager in our West Yorkshire team, who nominated foster carers Ricky and Chris for the incredible support, stability, and care they have provided to a young person joining their family.
When reflecting on why she wanted to nominate them, Natalie shared the journey they undertook to ensure a young person, R, experienced a successful transition into their home.
“This year Ricky and chris have welcomed R into their family. This was a big change for everyone but one the carers planned well for. R had already had an unsuccessful move to a long term placement and therefore we knew this time had to be right. Ricky and chris committed to a planed transition including school and placement visits.”
Transitions into foster homes can often feel uncertain and emotional for children and young people, particularly after previous disruptions. Taking the time to carefully plan introductions, build trust, and create familiarity can make a huge difference to how safe and secure a child feels moving forward.
Natalie explained that Ricky and Chris approached this with total commitment and determination.
“The were committed and went above and beyond to make the transition a success.”
At the heart of fostering is the ability to provide stability – not just through a home, but through relationships, consistency, and everyday reassurance. For children who may have experienced uncertainty in the past, finding a place where they feel secure and genuinely part of a family can be life-changing.
Natalie described the positive impact this has had on R since moving into Ricky and Chris’ home.
“R has now found stability and long term security with Ricky chris and their wider family. I feel this has provided R with a sense of security and safety.”
The “This is Fostering” campaign shines a light on the many ways foster carers support children beyond meeting their immediate needs. It is about helping children feel included, valued, listened to, and part of something lasting.
Natalie also highlighted the everyday dedication Ricky and Chris continue to show.
“The always show up, advocate for R and go above and beyond to meet R’s holistic needs. They remain committed to providing R with a genuine sense of family life.”
So often, it is the consistency of those small, everyday actions that help children begin to settle, grow in confidence, and create positive memories of childhood.
Since joining the family, Natalie shared that R has already achieved some meaningful milestones.
“R has settled into his new school and local area, building friendships along the way. R has brought a lovely sense of fun and happiness to the home.”
Of course, fostering can also bring challenges, and Ricky and Chris have shown incredible resilience and teamwork in supporting R’s needs.
“R has several needs which mean that he needs constant supervision and support to ensure he is safe and fulfilled. This continues to be demanding on Ricky and chris but they support each other and lean on support from extended family to ensure they are always ready and available. Ricky has changed his work commitments too.”
Stories like this highlight the reality of fostering – the patience, flexibility, sacrifice, and commitment involved in helping children feel safe and supported every day. Behind these moments are carers who continue to adapt, learn, and give their all to the children in their care.
When asked what makes Ricky and Chris so special, Natalie’s answer captured the heart of their fostering journey.
“The really do want the very best for the children in their care and are working hard to help the boys achieve and build happy memories of their childhood.”
This story is a powerful reminder that fostering is about creating belonging, building trust, and helping children experience the stability and happiness every child deserves.
If you’ve been inspired by Ricky and Chris’ story and would like to learn more about becoming a foster carer, we would love to hear from you.
Fostering can make a life-changing difference for children and young people – and there are many different ways you can support a child to feel safe, secure, and part of a family.
You can get in touch with our team via our enquiry form here.
