Whether you’re just beginning your fostering journey or are an experienced foster parent, we’ve compiled some of the best books, blog posts and TV shows to help you improve your fostering skills and learn more about the incredible difference which fostering makes to children’s lives every day. So, why not grab yourself a cuppa and have a browse of some of our favourite picks for foster parents!
Book recommendations for foster parents
‘Looked After: A Childhood in Care’ by Ashley John-Baptiste
In this incredible memoir, Ashley John-Baptiste tells readers in his own words about how he overcame a turbulent early life in foster homes to become a celebrated Cambridge graduate and a successful BBC presenter. If you’re more of a listener than a reader, you can hear Ashely’s incredible story by listening to Fearne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place’ podcast.
‘Fostering a Child’ by Henrietta Bond
This book answers many initial questions about fostering and is a great introduction for people who are interested in this extremely rewarding and demanding lifestyle.
‘Another Place at the Table’ by Kathy Harrison
This is the first-person account of a lady who has been a foster mum for more than a decade, and all the ups and down which come with choosing this incredible path.
‘Crying for Help’ by Casey Watson
A fictionalised story based on a real person’s experience of foster care. A sad but inspirational story, and a real page turner which you will struggle to put down until you reach the back cover!
‘Foster Children: Where they go and how they get on’ by Ian Sinclair (et al)
If you love statistics, you’ll love this read. This informative book includes case studies and gives readers insight into a large-scale study of foster children in the UK. The authors’ second book, ‘Foster Placements: why they succeed and why they fail,’ is also an informative read.
TV show recommendations for foster parents
Joe Swash: Teens in Care available on BBC iplayer
Joe Swash reflects on his own experiences of growing up in a home which provided foster care, and learns more about the need for more foster parents who can care for teenagers.
Split Up in Care: Life Without Siblings available on BBC iplayer
Care-experienced presenter Ashley John-Baptiste reflects on the trauma of being separated from his siblings in foster care, highlighting the need for more foster parents who can welcome multiple children into their homes.
Protecting Our Foster Kids available on BBC iplayer
This show follows Dorset County Council’s fostering service over the course of a year, providing real-life insight into the professionals and lives of children in care.
Hear from our foster parents…
Below you’ll find stories from real foster parents who are putting in the hard work to change children’s lives at Clifford House. Click on a name to hear their story in full!
This lovely couple share how they’ve helped to change the lives of almost 60 children over the course of their fostering journey.
Ellen’s Story
Ellen shares with us how foster care gave her a bright future and helped her find her true family.
Sarah and Alan tell us all about what it’s like to foster with 3 children of their own.
Phil talks to us about what it’s like to be a foster dad, and the important role of men in foster care.
Anthony and Sarah share their story of going through the fostering assessment process as a couple without children of their own.
Interested in learning more?
There are plenty of interesting and informative blogs of all sorts of topics to do with life as a foster parent available on our blog’s page, with new topics added every month!