Telford Fostering

What makes Telford Fostering different? Telford & Wrekin Council means being part of a group where practical support and professional experience combine to make a world of difference to our community.

Children should stay and grow up in their hometowns and have lives that are as stable as possible. We believe keeping them local is the way to do this.

But don’t take it just from us.

Chris and Debbie Wheeler recently joined Telford Fostering from a independent agency and transferred with ease, bringing their foster child Martin (name changed) with them.

Debbie Wheeler, said:

“If you are already foster carers but are put off transferring to Telford Fostering because of the Form F, it has changed.

“We have just transferred with our foster child who is with another local authority. It has taken five painless weeks from application to panel.

“The process has been very smooth. Our assessing social worker has been amazing. She did a file read at our agency and we had a couple of Microsoft Teams sessions with her. She was happy to arrange these in the evening once our little one was in bed. It really was that easy. 

“We are already reaping the rewards of transferring to Telford. It is a real team approach and they have welcomed us with open arms.”

Charli and Chris Macmillan have been fostering a teenager for the last four years.

Charlie and Chris Macmillan, shared:

"Fostering a teenage boy alongside our young family has enriched our lives. It has been the best thing to happen to us.

“It is inspiring to watch our three boys grow up alongside their foster brother. They are learning so much from one another.

“As a family we have been through some of life’s highs and lows together. From COVID19, to spending our first holiday abroad, which has only made us stronger as a family unit.

“Our youngest was only 10 months old when we started fostering, so the only way of life he knows.

“To have all four boys together, has been a journey filled with love, compassion and growth for us all. It has given our own children a better understanding of others. They all show they have kindness and empathy as they build new relationships. We are sure they are making lifelong friendships.

“Fostering has certainly changed our family for the better."

Donna and Felix become foster carers in 2022 and their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. One significant moment they cherish is the day they welcomed a shy, apprehensive child into their home. 

“July 2022, we’d recently been approved as foster carers, but we were going on an extended holiday that year and had decided to offer short break respite care only. The phone call came, for a young girl to come to us for a week, she's still with us almost two years on. 

When we went away, she had to go to another foster carer and we both knew she was probably thinking that she wouldn't come back to us. 

While we were away, we kept in touch, sending regular texts and Facetiming and we told her when we would be returning. 
She never showed emotion but, on the day, we went to pick her up, the car hadn't come to a standstill, before she ran out of the house and gave us the biggest hugs she could - it's a memory I will never forget.”

With patience, love, and unwavering support, they have witnessed that child blossom into a confident, happy individual, full of dreams and aspirations.