Voices of Fostering

National Fostering Group

Voices of Fostering brought to you by National Fostering Group. Everyone’s life takes a different path. As children and young people decisions can be made for us that shape our lives forever – whether for good or bad. As adults, we have the opportunity to make our own choices. And what we choose can have a positive impact on us and the world around us. Particularly if one of those choices is fostering. When you listen to the stories of children and young people whose lives have been touched by foster carers, you start to see the impact that fostering can have. When you decide to foster, it’s hard to imagine just how big a difference you could make. Not just to the young people you foster, but rippling out into countless other lives. Your choice to foster could transform the life chances of some of the most vulnerable people in society. In this podcast, you’ll hear young people who were fostered, birth children and foster carers talking openly and candidly about their experiences. You’ll get to understand why fostering can be simultaneously the most rewarding and the most challenging thing you’ll ever do and why embarking on this extraordinary journey changes people forever. If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to foster, what difference it really makes, you’ll find the answers here. 

  1. APR 14

    Tim - A CEO's View on Foster Care

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Voices of Fostering, experienced foster carers Travis and Marisol sit down with Tim Barclay, CEO of National Fostering Group, for an honest conversation about the realities of foster care—from both sides. Discover how carer feedback shapes decisions at the highest level, why innovations like Magic Notes are transforming supervising social worker visits, and what it's like to advocate for children facing increasingly complex needs. Travis and Marisol don't hold back—they share what's working, what's challenging, and why resilience and authenticity matter so much in fostering. Tim opens up about staying grounded, the importance of support groups, and how National Fostering Group is fighting for better resources from local authorities and other health services. Key Topics: ✅ How carer feedback drives real change ✅ The game-changing Magic Notes innovation ✅ Supporting children with complex needs ✅ Navigating local authority challenges ✅ Why foster carer support groups matter ✅ What makes a great supervising social worker relationship ✅ The future of foster care support Whether you're a foster carer, thinking about fostering, or work in the care sector, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how fostering agencies can truly put carers and children first. If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

    36 min
  2. MAR 11

    Scott - Patience, Progress, and Second Chances

    Send us Fan Mail Meet Scott, a foster carer from Kent who has dedicated 20 years to transforming the lives of children with complex needs. Since 2005, Scott and his wife Haley have fostered 13 children, specializing in long-term placements for neurodiverse young people. In this inspiring conversation, Scott shares: ✨ How fostering has evolved from 2005 to 2026, with therapeutic practices replacing outdated approaches 📚 The reality of raising foster children alongside his own family — and teaching for six GCSEs along the way 🎓 A powerful story of advocacy: helping a child move from special needs school to mainstream education, leading to a successful apprenticeship 💡 His biggest lesson: the power of patience and not rushing to judgment 🏃‍♂️ How running marathons worldwide (including all six major marathons) has enriched his fostering journey — even taking a foster son to Tokyo Scott's message is clear: fostering is a lifestyle choice that requires kindness, patience, and a willingness to see beyond the labels that follow vulnerable children. The child you see today isn't always the one written down in reports. If you're considering fostering or want to understand the profound impact it can have, this episode is a must-watch If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here. If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube

    17 min

About

Voices of Fostering brought to you by National Fostering Group. Everyone’s life takes a different path. As children and young people decisions can be made for us that shape our lives forever – whether for good or bad. As adults, we have the opportunity to make our own choices. And what we choose can have a positive impact on us and the world around us. Particularly if one of those choices is fostering. When you listen to the stories of children and young people whose lives have been touched by foster carers, you start to see the impact that fostering can have. When you decide to foster, it’s hard to imagine just how big a difference you could make. Not just to the young people you foster, but rippling out into countless other lives. Your choice to foster could transform the life chances of some of the most vulnerable people in society. In this podcast, you’ll hear young people who were fostered, birth children and foster carers talking openly and candidly about their experiences. You’ll get to understand why fostering can be simultaneously the most rewarding and the most challenging thing you’ll ever do and why embarking on this extraordinary journey changes people forever. If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to foster, what difference it really makes, you’ll find the answers here. 

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