Nottinghamshire foster carer urges people considering fostering to 'just do it'

A Nottinghamshire foster carer, Debbie, describes how her own childhood, military service and a chance information session led her and her husband to become approved carers; she recalls fostering multiple children, including a 10‑week‑old taken in during the COVID‑19 pandemic, and urges others considering fostering to 'just do it'.

Debbie, a foster carer in Nottinghamshire, says her role grew from early responsibility as the eldest of five in a home affected by domestic abuse and from a long instinct to protect children. After leaving school she joined the military, raised her own children and moved often, which made fostering feel out of reach for a time. A poster at a train station and a local fostering information session — and hearing from a 17‑year‑old who had been in care — convinced her to apply. The assessment process required emotional reflection but gave her and her husband approval and a strong sense of relief and purpose. Key details: - Debbie grew up as the eldest of five in a household affected by domestic abuse and developed an early instinct to protect children. - She served in the military, raised her own children and lived in several places, which delayed her considering fostering. - A train station poster and a fostering information session, including hearing from a young person who had been in care, prompted her to start the assessment process. - The assessment required personal reflection and was emotionally challenging; approval brought a strong sense of relief. - The couple’s first placement was a 10‑week‑old baby taken in during the COVID‑19 pandemic with about 20 minutes' notice; they provided care for over two years before the child returned to his mother. - Debbie and her husband have fostered several children since, some returning to family and others adopted, and they are part of the Mockingbird fostering network for peer support. Summary: Debbie describes fostering as emotionally demanding but meaningful, offering children stability, life experiences and support while aiming to maintain family connections where possible. Councillor Paul Hezelgrave noted the vital role of foster carers and said local leaders hope more people will consider fostering.