Charlene and Angela highlight that the smaller moments in their day-to-day lives as foster carers are often the most important. They were nominated as finalists in the 2026 National Children and Young People Awards.

We became foster carers because we took in a family member on a short term basis then spoke about maybe it was something we would look into in the future, then Angela saw an advertisement for TACT and signed us up to attend the Skills to Foster training weekend and so from there, we began our assessment.

There really is not just one rewarding part of our fostering journey there have been countless. I think the moment you realise a child or young person feels safe in your home is always a special moment for us. 

The children and young people we have cared for have taught us that the tiny moments in our lives such as a picnic in the park, or a day at the beach filled with laughter, really are the most important times in our lives. Also their resilience and ability to still see the good and find happiness is magical.

Being a foster carer means we take on many roles: care giver, role model, teacher, friend, safety network, authority figures – and with it comes all kinds of challenges from all different directions. It can be a constant battle but what keeps us motivated is the child or young person at the centre of it and how much they have progressed. 

We would advise anyone considering becoming a foster carer that it is not an easy job or something to be taken lightly, but opening up your heart and home to a child or young person is the most rewarding job you will ever do.

To us being foster carers has been at times very challenging but always the most rewarding.