Hampshire County Council sat down with dedicated foster carer Kemar to talk about his inspiration to start fostering, what the most rewarding thing is about the role and how compatible fostering is while serving as a member of the Armed Forces.
Hi Kemar, how did you start fostering?
Kemar: My wife, Chole has been in early years education, managing nurseries for the best part of 15 years and have always loved children – we’ve got 3 of our own. Owing to her job, she’s had to care for vulnerable children in Hampshire and East and West Sussex. Back in 2023 she had the idea to do more for the children in our community, so we started the fostering process and here we are.
The process took 12 months and we got approved on Chloe’s birthday in 2024, must be a sign! We had our first placement 3 months later and never looked back.
What's your favourite thing about fostering?
Kemar: Being able to provide immediate care to vulnerable children and young adults, “showcasing what good looks and feels like”.
Also, the milestone. Whether it's teaching a child to ride their bike for the first time, taking them away on trips they’ve only heard their friends talk about, or just doing activities which revolves around them, so they feel valued.
All those little things that the average household may take for granted.
If you were speaking to someone for the first time about fostering, what do you think is the biggest kind of misconception or that someone has the wrong impression when it comes to fostering typically?
Kemar: I think one of the biggest misconceptions would be the stigma around fostering. I think there is a worry that every child in foster care is profoundly traumatised. This isn’t true for the most part, and should this be the case, the training provided by Hampshire has equipped us to act accordingly.
As part of Hampshire’s commitment to carers, you do have a say on what placement works best for you, your family and any other children in your care. This coupled with the freedom of being able to choose what age group you’d like to provide care for should see you providing care with minimum risks – hopefully.
So, if I was to speak to someone for the first time, I would say absolutely! Have the conversation with your significant other and children where applicable and go for it. The changes that you're providing for a child or young adult, it's unmatchable.
Is there anything particularly from Hampshire training or support wise that has been really valuable for you in your fostering journey?
Absolutely. We’re new to fostering so all of it really, more so the preparation Hampshire has provided for those “what if” moments. Naturally it can feel overwhelming. However, having done this for a while, you’ve got the reassurance that the Hampshire network will always be on standby to help.
What is it like fostering in the armed forces?
Kemar: It’s an easy fit actually. Being in the armed forces I’ve been instilled with core values which are largely transferable. Also, the support from my line managers thus far has been great.
My role is Regimental Career Management Warrant Officer (RCM WO) which sees me providing career management advice, direction and guidance to 600 Service personnel.
What would one piece of advice you would give to someone considering fostering?
My one piece of advice is “BE THE DIFFERENCE” and make positive changes to young people’s lives.
Service Families Accommodation (SFA) could be granted on the grounds of fostering if this is a concern. Assignment preferences could also be submitted to suit geographical needs. This is providing the needs of the Service isn’t an issue.