Andy shares ‘life-changing’ experience during Foster Care Fortnight
A former Dundee taxi driver who spotted fostering adverts while waiting in the rank is drawing on over 15 years of experience as a foster carer to inspire others to open their homes and hearts to children and young people.
Andy Chalmers and his partner Caroline Boyd began fostering with Dundee-based Carolina House Trust in 2009. Since then, they have cared for ten children and young people, offering both short and long-term placements.
With a significant shortage of foster carers across the UK – recent figures suggest over 7,000 more are needed in the next 12 months alone – Andy is speaking out during Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May 2025) to encourage others to consider taking the first step. This year’s campaign, themed The Power of Relationships, highlights the profound impact strong, stable relationships can have on a young person’s life.
Andy’s journey into fostering began while working as a taxi driver, a job he originally saw as a ‘stopgap’. Ten years later and tired of the long, anti-social hours and craving more time with his growing family, Andy started noticing fostering adverts on the backs of taxis on local radio stations.
“It felt like someone was trying to tell me something!” he said. “At that time, we had two young children, another on the way, and two spare rooms after my parents moved out. I’ve always been one of those Dads who loves being home with the kids and started thinking seriously about fostering. Caroline wasn’t sure at first, but after some open conversations and making sure our own children were comfortable with it, we decided to apply.”
Six months after beginning the process, Andy and Caroline were approved as foster carers in September 2009. Their first two young people stayed with them for around five years. Since then, they have supported a further eight young people, including Dominic, 19, who currently lives with them under Continuing Care, which enables a young person to remain with their fostering family after the age of 18.
Dominic has spent nine years with Andy & Caroline
Dominic, who is studying a Civil Engineering course at Dundee and Angus College, said, “I’ve been living with Andy and Caroline since I was 10 and they’re my second foster family.
“They’ve made my life so much better and changed who I am. It’s not just the practical things; they’ve helped prepare me for independence and to get through the ups and downs of life. It’s made a huge difference knowing I have their support as I transition into adulthood.
“I’ve also made friends through Carolina House Trust by going along to their get-togethers at different times of year, like Easter, Christmas and Halloween, as well as the summer barbecue. I’m also much more active than I used to be and am hoping to get a Civil Engineering apprenticeship soon.”
Rewards, challenges and support
Andy admits fostering can be challenging, but he also describes it as one of the most rewarding things he has ever done.
“There are tough days, of course, but watching a young person grow in confidence, learn to trust, and start to thrive is just amazing. One of the first young people we supported is now 30 and working in social care herself. She still stays in touch with us.”
Andy believes the experience has also positively shaped their own children. “Each time we welcome someone new, we start fresh. Every child or young person brings their own life experience and expectations. But when that bond forms, and they start to believe in themselves, it’s incredibly powerful.”
As the main carer, Andy also attends around 15 to 20 training sessions each year with Carolina House Trust, covering topics from first aid and fire safety to trauma-informed care.
“I’ve known about Carolina House Trust since I was a teenager,” he added. “A friend’s dad worked in the old children’s home, so when we decided to foster, they were the obvious choice. They’re small enough that everyone knows each other by first name, and the support and training they offer are second to none. For anyone considering fostering, I’d say, be honest with yourself, and make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. It’s not always easy but, if you’re fully committed, the rewards are life-changing.”
Advocates for fostering
Sara Lovelock, Chief Operating Officer of Carolina House Trust, said, “Our mission is to work to the highest standard with children and young people to create safe and nurturing environments where they are helped to grow, develop and achieve their potential. There is an urgent and growing need for more foster carers in Dundee and across Scotland. We’re incredibly proud of carers like Andy and Caroline, who not only provide safe and loving homes but advocate so passionately for others to consider doing the same. Relationships like theirs are exactly what young people need to thrive.”
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