Foster for East Midlands Councils of is proud to support Children of Foster Carers' Week, taking place from 12 to 18 October 2026, a national campaign led by The Fostering Network to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution children of foster carers make to fostering families across the UK.
Children of foster carers play an important role in helping children and young people arriving in care feel welcomed, safe and part of the family. Through their kindness, understanding and willingness to share their home, they help create supportive environments where children can settle and begin to build trust.
One young person helping to make a difference is Isla, daughter of foster carer Amy. Having grown up in a fostering family, Isla says fostering has become a natural part of her life.
I've kind of just grown up with having children in our house all the time and it's kind of just become natural now. It just feels like part of my life and I don't think my life would be the same without it.
Isla also describes the excitement her family feels when preparing to welcome a child into their home.
We all just get excited because we love having new children come into our house. We help get the clothes, the right toys and set up the room for how old they are.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, said:
Children of foster carers are often unsung heroes of fostering. They share their homes, their family life and their time to help children in care feel welcomed and valued. During Children of Foster Carers' Week, we want to recognise and thank these remarkable young people for the compassion, patience and understanding they show every day. Their contribution helps change lives and makes fostering stronger for everyone involved.
For more information about fostering or how fostering may affect your family visit the Foster for East Midlands webpage or call 03033 132 950.