Our first year as foster carers in the East Midlands
Sharnie & Zak’s story for Foster Care Fortnight
Hi, we’re Sharnie and Zak, and we’re new foster carers with Foster for East Midlands Councils. We live in the East Midlands with our young daughter, and earlier this year, we officially began our fostering journey, something we’d talked about for years.
With Foster Care Fortnight underway, we want to share our experience in case you're considering fostering—or if it’s never crossed your mind, but now you're curious.
Why we chose to foster
Fostering had always been one of those “one day we will” ideas. But then we decided, why wait? We can’t have more children biologically, and with so much love to give, it felt natural to open our home to children who need a safe, stable place.
One of our biggest reasons for fostering was our daughter. She’s a happy, caring child, but as an only child, we wanted her to experience the closeness and lessons that siblings often share. Fostering offered her that chance and helped her grow emotionally in ways we hoped it would.
Our experience as first-time foster carers
This is our first year fostering, and we’ll admit, we’re still learning. We didn’t expect to have all the answers, but what we do have is love, patience, and the willingness to grow.
Our first placement was respite care over a few weekends. We were nervous expecting awkward silences or resistance. But the child settled in beautifully. There was laughter, playing, and a calm atmosphere that surprised us. It gave us the confidence to keep going.
Why we foster with Foster for East Midlands Councils
We chose Foster for East Midlands Councils because we wanted to be part of a local, supportive network. Foster carers play a vital role in helping councils provide the best possible care to children, and knowing we’re part of a community focused system means a lot to us.
The support we’ve received has been incredible. From training and home visits to check-ins and resources, the team has been with us every step of the way. You’re never alone on this journey, and that reassurance makes all the difference.
What we've learned so far
Fostering has changed how we think about family, patience, and connection. It’s taught us that:
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Relationships are everything.
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Communication is key—with your child, your partner, and your support network.
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Even small wins are big victories.
We’ve also met other amazing foster carers and feel part of a warm, welcoming community that truly understands the highs and challenges of the fostering experience.
5 Things we’d tell anyone thinking about fostering
If you're wondering whether fostering is right for you, here’s our advice:
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You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care.
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Be ready to adapt. Every child is different, and flexibility helps them feel safe.
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Talk about everything. Whether with your children, partner, or social worker—open communication is essential.
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Use your support system. Your local council offers training, resources, and real guidance along the way.
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Celebrate the small moments. A shared smile, a peaceful bedtime, or a fun game—they’re all big wins.
Thinking About Fostering in the East Midlands?
Fostering isn’t just about helping children—it’s about expanding your family in ways you never imagined.
If you're based in the East Midlands and curious about fostering, there’s no better time to explore it than during Foster Care Fortnight. Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire councils need your support, to help a child in your community.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Visit the Foster for East Midlands Councils website or call 0303 3132 950 to find out how you can start your fostering journey today. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
FAQ
Q: Can you foster if you already have children?
A: Absolutely! Many foster carers, like us, see fostering as a way to enrich the whole family.
Q: What kind of support do foster carers get?
A: You’ll receive full training, ongoing advice, a dedicated support worker, and be part of a wider network of carers in your area.
Read more on our Frequently Asked Questions web page