Member News from The Children's Family Trust: This is Fostering - Everyone needs a Mandy

​As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are sharing stories that reflect the care, commitment and community at the heart of fostering. 

Mandy’s nomination came from someone who has known her for many years through CFT, and who wanted to recognise the difference she has made to children, families and fellow foster carers. 

From the very beginning, Mandy stood out as someone others could turn to. 

“From the moment I joined the agency many moons ago, she was always someone us newbies could turn to for support and advice. I noticed from the start she was someone that would go above and beyond.”

That willingness to step forward was clear when another foster carer became very poorly. Mandy came forward and took her foster child into her own home, helping to provide stability during a difficult and unavoidable time of change. 

For the child, this meant being able to stay within CFT, continue attending a familiar school, and remain close to people and surroundings he had started to know.

“As always, Mandy came forward and took her foster child. This meant the child could attend a familiar school, stay within the agency where he had started to get to know others.”

For children in care, change can be unsettling. In this situation, Mandy’s support helped make a difficult transition feel safer and more familiar. She offered not only a place to stay, but a place where the child could feel included, settled and part of family life.  

Click here to read the full article.

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