What happens at a fostering panel and how do you become an approved foster carer?

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Fostering podcast, we speak to Jan Widowen, who is retiring after 20 years as a fostering panel administrator at Fostering People. Jan shares insights into how the fostering panel works, what applicants can expect, and why the assessment process is so important when approving foster carers.

If you're thinking about becoming a foster carer, this episode explains what happens behind the scenes and why the panel process is such an important step in the fostering journey.

What does it really mean to be a man in fostering?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering, host Faye chats to foster dad Phil, who fosters with his wife Leanne and their three daughters for Clifford House.

Phil opens up about challenging gender stereotypes, being a hands-on dad, why vulnerability matters, and the huge impact a positive male role model can have on children in care – especially those who may never have had one before.

He also shares honest reflections on welcoming their first foster child, balancing the needs of birth and foster children, and why men (including single men) have so much to offer in fostering.

Faye and FCA foster parent Claudia break down different types of fostering – from long-term and “staying put” to parent and child and siblings – and how to find the right fit for your family.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fostering.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Fostering from the Polaris Community, host Faye sits down with foster parent Claudia from Foster Care Associates (FCA) in Oxfordshire. Claudia lives with her husband, their birth daughter and four foster children – and has years of experience with different types of fostering.

Together, they explore:

- What long-term, short-term and respite fostering actually mean

- How “staying put” works when a young person turns 18 – and why it can be life-changing

- What parent and child fostering is, and how it helps keep families together

- Why some siblings are fostered together – and why sometimes they shouldn’t be

- Fostering children from different racial and cultural backgrounds

- The importance of identity, culture and belonging for children in care

- Claudia’s most powerful fostering moments – from a driving test pass to a “non-verbal” child finding his voice

Claudia also shares:

- How her own cultural background shaped the way she supports parents and children

- Why staying put can give care-experienced young people a fairer start in adult life

- What makes parent and child fostering so rewarding – and how it can change whole family trees for generations

- If you’re wondering which type of fostering might be right for you and your family, this episode is a great place to start.