Derek and Diane’s Story: Making a difference in a child’s life

After raising their own family, Derek and Diane decided to open their home once again and continue their fostering journey in the UK.

Derek and Diane started their fostering journey with Fosterplus in 2021, having spent 14 years fostering in South Africa. Once their children were grown up and had children of their own, Derek and Diane thought about opening up their home once again to a foster child in the UK.

Returning to fostering in later life

Their previous experience of fostering in South Africa was more informal, but Derek and Diane were keen to give fostering a go once again. They said, “Our kids have grown up, with children of their own now. So we thought we could do something, we could make a difference and invest in a child’s life.”

Because their previous experience of fostering was less structured, they were a bit apprehensive about what to expect. “We contacted Fosterplus, someone then called us to explain everything and we thought yeah, let’s give this a go.”

Derek grew up in a family that fostered, so being around foster children felt natural to him when welcoming a child into their home.

The support is second to none

One of the things that we pride ourselves on here at Fosterplus is the ongoing support and training that we offer our foster parents.

Derek and Diane said, “I honestly feel the support we get from Fosterplus is really, really good. Second to none. Within three weeks of us getting through all of the stuff we had to do, we had our foster child, who’s still with us now, and that was four years ago.”

Having the right support behind you makes a real difference in fostering.

Derek and Diane say, “If there’s anything we need, we just ask our social worker. There’s always support from Fosterplus.”

As foster parents with Fosterplus, Derek and Diane have their own dedicated supervising social worker so that they’ve got the support they need when they need it most.

Making a difference

After 14 years’ experience fostering in South Africa, Derek and Diane were keen to make a difference in another child’s life here in the UK. They currently care for a 17-year-old who has autism and ADHD.

When he first arrived, he was really shy and wouldn’t speak to any other children who came over for a visit. But Derek and Diane had experience managing complex needs.

Diane says, “Our grandchildren have autism, so we knew what to expect. Not that any two children are the same, but we went at our young man’s pace.”

Going at his own pace was important for making their new foster child feel welcome and stable. In the years since he started living with Derek and Diane, their foster child has become more settled. Derek says, “He feels safe, he’s settled down, and he’s part of the family now.”

Their foster child went from being reluctant to go to school to enjoying college and has even taught himself how to build his own computer from scratch with the help of Derek and Diane’s son-in-law.

An achievement and a privilege

Reflecting on their time as foster parents, Derek and Diane are proud of what they have achieved, and how they have helped their young man flourish.

They said, “We would see our experience with fostering as an achievement and a privilege. It makes you feel good that you’ve given someone a safe environment and the love and care that children need. To see how far he’s come from four years ago to now. His achievements have made us proud.”

As Derek and Diane know, “there’s no such thing as being too old to foster.”

In fact, fostering later in life can be a real asset. Derek and Diane say, “You’ve possibly raised children of your own. You come with life experience, and I think you’re a lot calmer.” All of the skills you’ve learned from parenting your own children are easily transferable to fostering.

Thinking about fostering?

Diane says, “The advice I would give to someone thinking about fostering is just do it. Just do it, because if you’re thinking along those lines, you’re halfway there. Because you’ve obviously got space, and time to do it. Fostering needs you, and a child potentially needs you.”

Are you ready to make a difference in a child’s life by giving them the loving, stable home that they need? Give us a call on 0800 369 8512 or fill out an enquiry form on our website to chat with one of our friendly advisors to find out more about fostering.

You may also find interesting…

February 10 2026

Marion’s Story: Fostering children of different ages while living life to the full

Alongside fostering, Marion is a keen runner and has completed multiple marathons. For Marion, age is just a number.

Find Out More

January 2 2026

Carl and Jackie’s Story: Keeping siblings together and building lasting bonds

Carl and Jackie began fostering with Fosterplus after their own children had grown up and left home, opening their door and hearts to children who needed a stable, loving family.

Find Out More

December 3 2025

Alison’s Story: Fostering in her 60s and why being a single carer never held her back

Alison started fostering in her 60s, unsure if she’d be accepted as a single carer. Over six years later, she shares how fostering a teenager with Fosterplus transformed both of their lives—and why age or relationship status should never stop someone from opening their heart and home to a child in care.

Find Out More

November 18 2025

Lisa & Andy: Long-term fostering and why transferring made all the difference

Lisa and Andy share their fostering journey – from transferring to Fosterplus for better support to providing long-term stability and seeing the lasting difference it makes to children’s lives.

Find Out More

September 2 2025

Thriving as a Single Foster Dad: Brendan’s Story

Brendan began fostering when he was just 26 years old. Now caring for little girls aged 8 months and 6 years old, he shares his amazing story and what it’s like to foster as a single man.

Find Out More

June 16 2025

Staying Put: How Aki found a new home and a new life in the UK

Aki shares his powerful story of fleeing his home country in Africa as a sanctuary-seeking child; adjusting to life with a UK foster family, and his hopes and dreams for the future.

Find Out More

Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to apply or just want to find out more, get in touch with us today

Enquiry

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

Which of the following applies to you?*

How can we help you with your enquiry?*

The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

Do you have professional experience of working with children?*

Have you had any prior experience of fostering, such as being a foster parent or growing up in a fostering family?*

Have you ever adopted a child?*

Are you happy to receive regular fostering news from us?*

Yes

No

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone Number*

Email Address*

Postcode*