Making a real difference: Fostering in Yorkshire with Barnardo's

For the past 12 years, Jeanette has been a Barnardo’s foster carer in England.

She has opened her home, been there through the good days and the hard ones, and made a real difference to children and young people who needed stability, care and a chance to feel safe.

How it Started

Jeanette remembers seeing a little girl who had just gone into care walking to school with her new carer. “She had this huge smile on her face,” Jeanette recalls. “It stuck with me – knowing she was safe, settled and happy.”

Later, she met two more children who had been fostered, and their confidence and calmness made a lasting impression. “Seeing the difference fostering made to them really motivated me to get started,” she says.

Taking the first step felt daunting, but she remembers making that first call to Barnardo’s. “The woman I spoke to had such a reassuring voice,” she says. “That phone call gave me the confidence to keep going.”

Support Every Step of the Way

The fostering journey isn’t quick or simple – but it’s meaningful. Jeanette describes it as eye opening:

“It makes you reflect on your own upbringing. There were moments we wondered if we could really do this, but Barnardo’s guided us every step of the way.”

Through training, preparation sessions and the support of a dedicated social worker, Jeanette found a community – that listens without judgement and supports without hesitation.

“Although it was emotional and sometimes overwhelming,” she says, “our social worker answered every question. They reminded us why it mattered – and that it would all be worth it.”

For Jeanette, the support made all the difference. Barnardo’s offers this to every carer, whether exploring fostering or already on the journey.

Jeanette reflects “It doesn’t matter what background you come from – you’ll get all the skills and training you need to support children in your care.”

The Difference Fostering Makes

Jeanette’s words ring true for Romarnie, who came into her care as a young person. He arrived after being moved from place to place, feeling unsure about what would come next.

“I was shy at first because I’d moved around a lot. So I was anxious meeting new people. But Jeanette was lovely.”

Now aged 19, he still remembers their first outing together.

“It was winter, and we went up to the lake. I got a big piece of ice and slammed it on the ground.” He laughs “Jeanette just stood there letting me be. She didn’t rush me. She gave me space to adjust.”

“She listened when I told her how nervous I was and that I wasn’t sure if I’d move again. She gave me space. She made it feel like home and invited me into the family. To feel that warmth and acceptance, that was huge.”

It’s a reminder that fostering isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up with patience, resilience, compassion and a willingness to learn.

“Fostering is a two-way street,” says Romarnie, ‘it teaches empathy and trust. It teaches how to care, how to love, how to be part of a family.”

Life Today

Now an independent young adult, Romarnie is thriving at university – something he once struggled to imagine. Looking back on his journey, he shares a heartfelt message with Jeanette:

“Thank you for not giving up on me. I know I was a pain at first, but you didn’t give up. You gave me that sense of feeling part of a family again – and it has meant everything.”

Today, Romarnie hopes to become a foster carer himself: “Because I’ve lived through it, I feel I could really pass my experience on,” he says.

For Jeanette, seeing him flourish has been one of her greatest rewards.

“It’s those moments,” she says, “when you see a young person start to believe in themselves.”

Thinking About Fostering? Let’s Talk Today.

Jeanette never looked back after that first reassuring phone call. If her story has made you wonder whether fostering could be right for you, you might be more ready than you think.

By joining Barnardo’s, you’ll be part of a children’s charity that has been supporting children for over 150 years. We’re with you every step of the way, offering tailored support, a competitive financial allowance, expert training, and a welcoming community of like-minded carers. If you’re curious about fostering, get in touch with your local fostering team for a friendly, no-pressure chat.

Visit barnardos.org.uk/foster to learn more.