Kerry and Neil’s inspiring fostering story

Kerry and her husband Neil have been fostering for Derbyshire County Council for 12 years, caring for children of all ages—from newborns to 17-year-olds. Their experience spans a wide variety of placements, including short breaks, long-term fostering, and emergency care.

The decision to foster came after their twin sons went to university, and Kerry took voluntary redundancy from the NHS. Fostering had been on their minds since their sons were teenagers, but the timing wasn’t right due to the demands of parenting and a busy career. When the opportunity arose, Kerry saw an advert for fostering with Derbyshire County Council and felt it was the perfect moment to begin their journey.

Reflecting on the fostering application process, Kerry describes it as both supportive and thorough. Although she initially found the detailed questions daunting, she came to appreciate their purpose. “The process is there to make sure fostering is right for you and that you’re able to provide thoughtful and professional care,” she explains.

For Kerry, fostering is about more than offering a loving home—it’s about being a professional parent. Over the years, she and Neil have undergone extensive training, particularly in therapeutic parenting, to help them understand and address the unique needs and traumas of children in care. “The training and experience have made me more thoughtful and professional in my parenting,” Kerry says. “Intuition alone isn’t enough when it comes to meeting the complex needs of foster children.”

There have been many memorable moments during their fostering journey. One of the most special was adopting their daughter, who they initially fostered from birth. Kerry also recalls helping a young boy overcome his fear of confined spaces. Through patience and trust-building, the boy was eventually able to explore a cavern with the family—a moment of triumph for everyone.

Fostering has also had a profound impact on the couple’s twin sons, who grew up alongside the foster children. The experience taught them empathy and caring instincts that have carried into their adult lives. One of the twins, now a father, has been praised for his natural ability with babies—something he attributes to fostering.

To stay supported, Kerry and Neil are part of a monthly foster carer coffee and chat group, which provides a space to share experiences and advice. They also benefit from the consistent support of their supervising social worker, who has worked with them throughout their 12-year fostering journey. Their extended family is deeply involved as well, offering additional help and encouragement.

For those considering fostering, Kerry has some advice:

“Don’t be scared off by the assessment process. While it may seem intense, it’s there for a reason—to make sure fostering is the right fit for you. The rewards far outweigh the challenges, and the difference you can make in a child’s life is immeasurable.”

Kerry also emphasises the many benefits of fostering through a local authority like Derbyshire County Council. She appreciates the close-knit team approach and the strong relationships they’ve built with social workers and fellow carers, which offer a level of support and connection that private fostering agencies simply can’t match.

“Fostering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. The support we’ve received and the relationships we’ve formed have made all the difference.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, representing the Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands praised Kerry and Neil’s dedication, saying:

“Kerry and Neil’s commitment to fostering over the past 12 years is truly inspiring. Their unwavering care and compassion have provided countless children with stability, love, and a brighter future. They exemplify the incredible work that foster carers across the East Midlands do every day. We are deeply grateful for their efforts and proud to have them as part of our Foster for East Midlands community.”

If you’re inspired by Kerry and Neil’s story, why not consider fostering? Join the incredible network of foster carers who are changing lives across the East Midlands. Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire councils. Call 03033 132 950 or visit the website at fosterforeastmidlands.org.ukOpens in new tab to learn more.