Kent urgently needs Foster Carers – have you considered fostering?

Fostering Network's annual campaign shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering and the life-changing impact it can have on young lives.

It’s a time when Kent Fostering joins others across the UK to thank foster carers for all they do, including providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people, many of whom have faced difficult or traumatic experiences.

As well as supporting children in their education and physical and emotional wellbeing, foster carers help them re-build trust and confidence.

Today, Kayleigh Leonard and Georgie Topsfield are building successful careers, enjoying stints as Participation Support Assistants with KCC's Virtual School Kent's (VSK) Participation Team. The VSK team works to ensure young people with experience of the care system help shape services.

Kayleigh and Georgie were both fostered.

Kayleigh said:"When I first came into care, I was very shy and unsure of myself, but through the love, kindness, and support of my foster carers, I was able to flourish and grow into the person I am today. They encouraged me to believe in myself and supported me every step of the way. They showed me that I had a voice and how to use it to benefit not only myself but other young people. I am truly grateful for everything they did for me, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now - doing the job I do.

"One moment of kindness that really stands out to me was when I got into trouble at school shortly after moving in with my foster carers. Instead of just accepting the situation, my foster carer stood up for me and advocated for the school to support me rather than simply punish me. That moment stayed with me because it was one of the first times in my life that someone truly stood up for me and showed they genuinely cared. It made me feel valued, understood and not alone. It has remained an important memory for me ever since.”

Georgie said: "Fostering wasn’t just a solution, but an opportunity. It gave me a safe space to express myself, make mistakes and have aspirations. It is not always a straightforward path but having consistent adults around me helped me feel safe, loved and wanted - like I had a chance to be part of a family again.

"I remember the day I met my last foster carers. We went to the local supermarket to pick up some lunch. A moment that seemed normal to everyone around us, felt giant to me. Having the options to pick what I wanted to eat, being given choices without pressure or expectation, helped build trust. That one meal deal helped me feel listened to, like I had a family who cared and respected me enough to make my own choices. As I continued living with them, they helped shape me. Small habits, family traditions even kitchen hacks all influenced who I am today.”

Gabrielle Woodbury, who fosters with Kent Fostering, said: “We cared for a 15-year-old boy who had significant behavioural challenges. During his time with us, we tried to encourage him to get involved in different activities such as clubs, boxing, and army cadets. Although he gave them a try, none of them really suited him.

“He then had the opportunity to try horse riding, and he absolutely loved it. He stayed with us for around a year and a half. About two years later, he got back in touch. He told us he was now working for a horse trainer and spent his mornings riding and exercising the horses. Hearing this truly warmed our hearts, as it felt like we had helped him take the first steps towards a career he loves. Hopefully we weren’t just carers in that moment - we became part of the turning point he remembers.”

Life-changing moments can also come when you least expect them, as Kent Foster Carer, Kimberly Besant, shared:“The little boy we are caring for had a standing frame trial. Not terribly exciting you might think but he’d had one before and sobbed so much I was terrified.

“But this tiny little boy who is so brave was put into the standing frame, had a little push and then was off! Pushing the wheels, moving himself with complete independence for the very first time ever in his life. It made my heart sing and tears of pride flow. Now there’s a chance of independence for him. We can't wait!”

Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said: “The stories shared this Foster Care Fortnight are incredibly moving. They show the courage of our children and the extraordinary love and patience our foster carers give every day. These moments - a child taking their first independent steps, discovering a passion that changes their future, or simply feeling safe enough to laugh again - are life‑changing.

“Our foster carers in Kent are simply amazing and I’d like to thank them all for their continued support and care. But we urgently need more people in our communities to open their homes. Too many children are still waiting for a foster family nearby and every day that passes is a day they miss out on the care they deserve.

“If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference, please take that first step. Fostering doesn’t just change a child’s life - it can transform yours too.”

Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster carers are not only parents, providing warmth stability and a place to call home – they are highly skilled. They juggle many roles: educators, mediators, advocates and organisers, with a deep knowledge of children’s best interests.

“However, many foster carers are leaving, while the number of children entering care is on the rise. We urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.

“There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. They come from different backgrounds and it’s this diversity that brings the fostering community together to help children feel safe, supported and able to thrive. So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering and whether it might be right for you.”