As the Government renews its push to recruit more foster carers, the role is still commonly treated as something people take on later in life, or purely out of goodwill. That assumption masks the reality of what the work involves - and quietly shuts younger people out of a decision that could shape their lives in profound ways.
Trevor Elliott MBE, a children’s advocate and Founder and Chief Executive of Kennedy Elliott, began fostering at the age of 24 and fostered three boys over five years. He speaks candidly about why starting young mattered, how the experience became a defining and deeply fulfilling part of his life, and why recognising this work as a real career path does not strip it of compassion or meaning.
Trevor is clear-eyed about the intensity of caring day in, day out, and about what it asks of you emotionally, practically, and over time. At the same time, he argues that honesty about those demands is what makes long-term commitment possible. Framing this work as something people can plan for - rather than something sustained by silent sacrifice - allows more people to step forward earlier in life, commit fully, and stay.
He also speaks to what younger carers can bring to the role, what he learned through fostering, and why being open about the realities of the role does not diminish its value, but makes it accessible to those who might otherwise never consider it - alongside practical advice for young people considering fostering themselves.
Why do so many people think fostering is only for older adults?
When we hear about fostering, it’s usually framed as “my mum fostered” or “my aunty was a foster carer.” It’s rarely presented as something young adults can actively choose as a life path.
We’re not told in school that fostering is a care choice or a career choice. It’s often seen as something you do later in life, or when you retire.
There’s also the belief that age automatically equals wisdom and stability, but maturity isn’t defined by age - it’s defined by life experience, emotional intelligence and resilience.
I started young; I didn’t have decades behind me, but I had drive, empathy, and a real commitment to showing up for children who needed someone consistent.
What are some strengths that younger adults can bring to the role of foster care?
Younger carers can often relate closely to what children are experiencing, whether that’s school pressures, social media, friendships, or identity struggles. That relatability helps build trust.
We can sometimes build relationships differently, with energy, openness and adaptability. I also believe that having less ‘fixed’ or learned behaviour can mean being more flexible, less stubborn, and more willing to grow alongside the child. Age doesn’t determine connection - presence does.
What are some of the struggles you faced as a younger adult in fostering?
Being taken seriously was one of the biggest challenges. I had birth parents question whether I was mature enough to care for their child, and situations where parents almost tried to parent me.
I’ve walked into professional meetings and been asked, “Are you his key worker?”, not the foster carer. At first, that was difficult, but over time I realised I didn’t need to argue my position - I just needed to demonstrate it consistently. Respect followed results.
What do young adults need to know if they're considering fostering?
Children don’t need perfection. They need love, kindness, warmth and someone emotionally available.
Fostering is hard, I won’t pretend it isn’t. There are difficult days and moments that test you, but the reward of seeing a child feel safe, grow in confidence, and smile freely outweighs the hard parts.
If your heart is in the right place and you’re willing to commit fully, it can be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make.
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