This Children of Foster Carers’ Week (12-18 October 2026), we want to celebrate the young people who help make fostering possible across Shropshire.

Every day, children of foster carers share their homes, routines, toys and family life with children who may be facing one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Their kindness, patience and understanding can help a foster child feel welcome, safe and included.

Why Children of Foster Carers Deserve Recognition

When a child joins a fostering household, it is not only the foster carers who welcome them. The whole family does.

Children of foster carers often help new arrivals settle into family life. They may introduce them to favourite games, show them around the local area, or sit with them at mealtimes. Sometimes, they are simply a friendly face when everything feels unfamiliar.

These small acts can make a big difference.

We regularly hear from foster families across Shropshire about the positive impact their children have. Friendship, encouragement and peer support can help a foster child feel accepted and part of the family.

Children of foster carers may not always realise it, but their contribution is often invaluable.

What Do Children Gain from Growing Up in a Foster Family?

One question we are often asked is:

“What effect will fostering have on my own children?”

It is a natural concern. Every family should discuss it carefully before deciding to foster.

Every family’s experience is different. However, many children who grow up in fostering households develop empathy, resilience and a greater understanding of others. They learn that families can be formed in different ways and that kindness can change lives.

Many foster carers also tell us that fostering has helped their children become more patient, confident and aware of the world around them.

Of course, fostering can bring challenges as well as rewards. Welcoming someone new into your home takes adjustment. That is why the views and feelings of children already living in the household are so important.

Fostering as a Family in Shropshire

At Shropshire Fostering, we believe fostering works best when the whole family is involved.

Before a family is approved to foster, we take time to get to know everyone in the household. This includes any children living at home. We want to ensure that fostering is the right fit for the family and that everyone understands what fostering may involve.

Our support does not stop once a placement begins. We continue to work closely with foster families throughout their fostering journey. We help them navigate both the rewards and the challenges that fostering can bring.

Many fostering families tell us that some of their most meaningful relationships began with a simple decision to open their hearts and homes to a child who needed support.

Could Your Family Make a Difference?

Children of foster carers show us every day that fostering is a family effort.

Their compassion, generosity and willingness to welcome others deserve recognition. Not just during Children of Foster Carers’ Week, but throughout the year.

If you have children of your own and have wondered whether fostering could work for your family, we would be happy to answer your questions.

There is no such thing as a perfect fostering family. What matters most is a stable home, a willingness to care for a child and a family that is committed to helping young people thrive.

Take Your First Step with Shropshire Fostering

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now could be the perfect time to learn more.

By becoming a foster carer with Shropshire Fostering, you could provide the stability, encouragement and sense of belonging that helps a local child thrive.

If you would like to find out more, book an informal, no-obligation Teams call with our friendly team. We’ll answer your questions, explain the process and help you explore whether fostering could be right for you.

Book your informal Teams call today and discover how you could make a difference to a child in Shropshire.