Life in a naval family can often be full of movement, change, and unexpected turns; but it can also be rich with resilience, teamwork, and a deep sense of service.
For one naval couple in Portsmouth, these qualities laid the perfect foundation for something they’d long felt drawn to: fostering children and young people. Since 2013, Lee and Katharine have opened their home to children; balancing the demands of a service life with the rewards of offering care and stability. Their story shows how fostering can not only fit into naval life but can even thrive within it.
Where it all began…
Lee and Katharine’s story began in Windsor, where they met as sea cadets. Their shared connection to the Royal Navy has shaped their lives ever since. Lee joined the Navy at 16 and has served for over 35 years, now holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Katharine spent eight years in the Wrens before leaving in 1996 to pursue university studies. When they were stationed in Plymouth they began fostering. Later they moved to Portsmouth and resumed their fostering journey with Foster Portsmouth in 2018.
“We started fostering in 2013 while living in Plymouth,” Katharine recalls. “I’d always felt drawn to it as it seemed incredibly rewarding. I was involved in a youth theatre group in a deprived area, and some of the people there were foster carers and family kinship carers. That really opened my eyes.”
Katharine said that Lee was initially ambivalent about fostering, but an open evening, put on by the local foster care team, changed his perspective. “There were young people there sharing their experiences, and it just clicked. We both felt it was the right time; our children were finishing school, and we had the space and stability to offer.”
“The Navy trains you to react calmly and effectively…”
Their fostering journey has primarily focused on short-term, respite, and emergency placements. “We’re both good in a crisis,” Katharine said with a smile. “The Navy trains you to react calmly and effectively, and that’s a real asset in fostering. Short-term placements can sometimes last longer than expected; one lasted for six years!”
[Read more about how the skills gained in the armed forces can be utilised for fostering]
The unpredictability of naval life has shaped their approach. “There was a time when Lee was told he might be posted to Scotland or overseas,” Katharine explains. “It gave us insight into how children must feel when they’re moved without warning. We didn’t know how long we’d be in Portsmouth, so we avoided long-term placements. But when the siblings we were caring for were doing well, we just kept going.”
There are many types of fostering and everyone will be able to find one that’s the right fit for them. This could be a short or long-term arrangement for a child or siblings until they’re ready to live independently or be reunited with family, support for children with a disability or children seeking safety and asylum, Supported Lodgings to develop their independent living skills, a parent and baby arrangement, or respite care.
Despite Lee’s frequent deployments in recent years, the couple is considering returning to offer some additional emergency fostering. “We miss it,” Katharine says. “Our girls are quite flexible; maybe because they’ve grown up with Lee coming and going. They understand it’s not about any rejection of them; it’s just part of his job.”
Bringing unique strength to fostering…
Their naval background has brought unique strengths to fostering. “We had a big naval house in Plymouth with spare rooms, and the Navy was supportive,” Katharine notes. “That might vary depending on housing stock, but it’s worth asking if you’re interested.”
Katharine adds, “Being a naval spouse teaches you to be flexible and cope with change. That’s invaluable in fostering. Children need adults who can adapt and stay calm when things shift.”
The family has also benefited from access to naval facilities. “One of the girls went on a sailing course through a naval connection,” Katharine says. “There are opportunities out there; sports, events, courses, which can really enrich a child’s life.”
Joining a close-knit community…
Fostering has deepened their connection to the local community. “When we moved to Portsmouth, we explored more places like the beaches, museums, and the dockyard,” Katharine shares. “We might not have done that without the children.”
Support from Foster Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council’s fostering service, has been consistent. “We’ve had the same supervising social worker since day one,” Katharine says. “The girls have built strong relationships with their children’s social workers. We’re a low-fuss family, but when we need support, it’s there.”
They’ve also found camaraderie among other foster carers. “The Fareham fostering support group has been great,” Katharine says. “There are informal networks in Portsmouth; people who’ll help out when your partner’s away.”
Foster Portsmouth also offer carers competitive fees and allowances for each child in their care, a bespoke training programme and 24/7 support, access to a mentoring scheme and the award-winning Mockingbird model of care, discounts and benefits, social activities, and free membership to The Fostering Network.
“It’s about making it work…”
Adjustments have been necessary. “I moved from consultancy to a 9–5 NHS job to ensure stability when Lee was deployed,” Katharine explains. “It’s about making it work.”
Their advice to other naval families? “Go to a recruitment event,” Katharine urges. “Talk to someone, ask if anything would restrict you. See how you can make it work; there are many ways to foster. Don’t assume you can’t.”
People aged 21+ with a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth regardless of age, gender, faith, ethnicity, sexuality, marital or work status, or whether they rent or own their own home.
Katharine adds, “I wish I’d known how frustrating some processes can be; but you learn why they exist during training. Every child is different, and Forces life makes you more resilient.”
One of their most cherished memories is a holiday where the girls joined Lee in sailing a boat; skills they’d learned through naval connections. “We’ve travelled with them, and shared our network of friends overseas. It’s been amazing.”
Looking to the future…
Looking ahead, they hope to continue fostering and support fostering recruitment efforts. “We’d love to see fostering more visible in the Navy,” Katharine says. “Helping young people through their teen years is our next chapter. We’ll stay flexible.”
If you are live or are stationed in Portsmouth, or the surrounding areas, and are interested to learn more about fostering or would like to arrange a one-to-one with one of our experienced team or existing foster carers, please contact Foster Portsmouth via our contact us page.
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Photos contain library images to protect privacy.
