Life as a Birth Child in a Fostering Family: Caleb’s Story

One of those inspiring birth children is Caleb, whose parents foster with Compass. From the moment his family decided to foster, Caleb was on board. “Oh, I was all for it,” he shared. “Everyone in the family would be able to contribute with helping a child better their life”.

As an only child, Caleb had always wanted a sibling, so the idea of fostering felt exciting.

Now, with foster siblings in the home, Caleb has embraced his new role with warmth and enthusiasm. Speaking about one of the young people who came to live with his family, Caleb said, “He’s a blessing. It’s just fun having them here. Really, really fun”.

For the children who have joined his family, Caleb has become more than just a friendly face; he’s a companion, a role model, and a listening ear.

Whether it’s going on trips together, like a visit to Liverpool, or simply spending time at home, Caleb makes sure his foster siblings feel included. Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most. He remembered helping one foster child who struggled to sleep: “She asked if I could read her a story… that got her to sleep pretty quickly, which was nice”.

Caleb even took part in the Foster Care Foundations, which gave him insight into the fostering process. “I enjoyed it. It was very informative… I learned a lot of things,” he said. His commitment shows how birth children can thrive and grow alongside their foster siblings, developing empathy, maturity and resilience.

At Compass, we know fostering is a journey for the whole family, not just the carers themselves. That’s why we work hard to make sure birth children like Caleb are supported every step of the way. From preparing them before their family is approved, to ongoing reassurance and guidance once a foster child joins the household, we want birth children to feel valued, listened to, and cared for. Their voices matter, and their role in making children feel safe and welcome is truly extraordinary.

We’re so proud of Caleb and his family, who embody the Compass ethos of bringing care, education, and therapy together to give every child their best chance. His kindness and compassion show how fostering changes lives, not just for the children who come into care, but for the families who welcome them too.