Fostering is more than opening your home – it’s opening your family and each of your hearts to new experiences, challenges, and the incredible moments that come with nurturing a child in need. For Genevieve, fostering has been a journey filled with love, laughter, and learning, one that has brought a variety of little ones into her family’s life.
Like many foster carers, Genevieve’s journey started with curiosity and a single phone call. After growing up with foster siblings, she always had fostering in the back of her mind, but when her own children were growing up and she was considering her next steps, she decided the time was right to explore the possibility.
In her first video, Genevieve shared how she was guided through the application process, making the experience feel seamless and supported. Now, with several placements behind her, she reflects on the many children who have come through her door and the impact fostering has had on both them and her family.
Genevieve’s first placement was a whirlwind introduction to fostering. Two little boys, one nearly two and the other almost three, arrived for what was meant to be a short-term placement. The energy in the house shifted immediately – laughter, play, and the joyful chaos of toddlers filled the space. “It was lovely,” she recalls. “The house just went mad.”
It's all experiences – it's lovely to get them, you know, I never had twins [and as a foster carer] I got two little twins, so it was amazing!
The boys stayed for several months before returning to their family, but their time with Genevieve was full of love, stability, and growth. It was a reminder of why fostering is so important – sometimes, all a child needs is a safe and caring environment while things are put in place for their future.
After a brief pause, Genevieve’s next placement was a little girl who became part of her family for nearly two years. “She just fitted right in,” she remembers, speaking warmly of the bond they formed. The process was full of communication with the child’s family, ensuring that every decision was made with her best interests at heart. When she returned home, it was a bittersweet moment, but Genevieve remained in contact, seeing first-hand the positive outcome of her time in care.
Then, an entirely new experience arrived – twins. Two newborns who needed immediate care, bringing another exciting and novel experience to Genevieve’s fostering journey. “I never had twins,” she says with a smile, until she cared for these two newborns, “but it was amazing,” to get to have that experience as a foster carer.
Each child who comes into Genevieve’s care brings something new – new lessons, new joys, and new bonds that will last a lifetime. Now, she has a small baby in her care who just needs “a helping hand” until she's ready to be reunified with her birth family. And as with every placement before, she knows this is just another chapter in a rewarding journey.
Fostering isn’t just about caring for children – it’s about creating a foundation for their future while embracing the ever-changing nature of family. Genevieve’s experiences are a testament to the power of love and stability, showing that every placement, no matter how long or short, can make a lasting difference.
Could fostering be the next chapter in your life?
If Genevieve’s story has inspired you, we’d love to chat about how you can start your own fostering journey. Apply online to become a foster carer or contact Origins Foster Care today to learn more about how you can make a life-changing difference for a child.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
