When the couple began talking about their future together, fostering felt like a natural step. “I’d already got my children, and he’d got his,” Ros explains. “So we thought we’d go down the fostering route.”  

They made the decision jointly, completed the training and courses, and committed fully. And this year marks 26 years since they opened their home as foster carers. 

Keeping siblings together has always been at the heart of Ros and Stefan’s fostering. “That was the main reason I wanted to do it,” Ros says. “I was split up from all mine, and that stayed with me.” Her own childhood experiences became a powerful motivator, shaping how they approached every child that came to live with them. 

As if by fate, their first foster children were a sibling group of three girls.  

“Getting three young ones settled, into a routine … it was amazing,” beams Ros. 

Having both raised boys, caring for girls brought something new into their home. “We loved it,” said Stefan. 

Over time, fostering completely transformed the way they see children. “You stop judging what you see on the outside,” Ros reflects. “When you foster, you really start seeing the inside.” Behaviour that might seem challenging begins to make sense. “These kids are crying out for attention and support.” 

But, of course, not every moment has been easy. One child had to move on because their needs had changed.  

“That absolutely broke me,” Ros admits. “I worked so hard to try to make it work, but sometimes it just can’t.” What helped them through was support, especially from a long-standing fostering social worker. “She was so supportive,” Ros says. “She’d say, ‘Come on, you can do this.’ And that really does make a difference.” 

For anyone thinking about fostering, Ros has some clear words of advice. “It has to be something you really want to do; and it has to be a joint decision.” She is especially passionate about children who are often overlooked. “People think teenagers are trouble, but they’re not. Give them routine, time and commitment, and they’ll surprise you.” 

For their photograph, Ros and Stefan chose Bradley Pitches, close to where they live. “We take the kids there, walk the dogs there. It’s part of everyday life,” Ros explains. 

It’s a gentle reminder that fostering is largely built from a succession of small, ordinary routines and moments that build into something special over time.