Emergency foster care provides immediate, short-term care for children who suddenly cannot stay in their own homes due to a crisis. This type of care ensures that children have a safe and supportive environment while longer-term solutions are arranged. Emergency foster carers are trained to handle urgent situations, offering stability and reassurance during a child’s time of distress.
Lewis, along with his wife Jenna have been emergency foster carers for six months. We caught up with Lewis to find out more about his experience with emergency foster care.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become an emergency foster carer?
“Growing up, my life experiences inspired me to become an emergency foster carer. I want to provide a safe environment where children can learn and thrive, taking positive lessons from my home. I decided to do this while my kids are young, so they can see what a loving home looks like. I understand that a lot can happen in a short time, and even in daycare which I do often, children can gain so much from being in a nurturing space.”
What kind of support do you receive from Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan, and how does it help you in your role?
“I speak to my Supervising Social Worker most days, asking her for advice, which is incredibly helpful. The support from the Vale of Glamorgan, including access to speech therapy and nursery, allows me to continue with daily tasks while ensuring the children receive the care they need. Additionally, the supported training they provide has been invaluable in enhancing my skills as a foster carer.”
Are there specific skills or knowledge areas that you feel are crucial for someone considering this role?
“Understanding the kids and being genuinely interested in what they’re talking about is crucial. It can be a real shock for them to realise you share similar interests. Providing a kind and loving home, dedicating time to them, and creating a safe space is essential. Being on the kids’ level and paying attention to them makes a significant difference—this is your job at the end of the day.”
Can you share a success story or a positive outcome from your time as an emergency foster carer?
“The way our current foster child’s speech has developed is a wonderful success story. When he arrived, he only had two words, but now he’s coming out with new words every day. I think my sons, who are around the same age, have really helped with this. The kids are the most important, and they have a really positive impact on the foster children who come into our home. My boys even say they miss the kids when they go. It’s incredible to see all the progress he’s made with us.”
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming an emergency foster carer?
“Do some due diligence before you start; working in residential care before pursuing fostering made me a better dad. Do as much training as possible—it’s really good and benefits your life and your own children. Many people focus on what can go wrong rather than how it can go right. Anyone can be a foster carer; you just have to be passionate about helping children.”
What do you find most rewarding about this role?
“The most rewarding aspect of this role is the positive impact it has on my family life. I see what my kids get out of it, as well as the foster children. It helps make my kids into better adults, and I’ve become more present and make more time for them as a father. The foster children become part of the family, and it’s heartwarming to hear them always asking where the foster children are, like the are part of the family.”
How do you help children feel safe and secure during their stay with you?
“Talking to them, listening to them, and getting to know them are key to helping children feel safe and secure during their stay. On the first day, I let them do something they like so they feel comfortable. I also make sure they have a room that is theirs and ask them what they want to watch, which opens things up and makes them feel more at ease. At the end of the day, it’s all about making them feel safe and valued.”
What strategies do you use to build trust with children who might be scared or confused?
“I build trust with children by sitting with them and letting them do the talking, showing interest in what they like doing. Having worked with children with different needs, I’ve learned that sometimes just sitting in a room without saying anything can build more trust. I also watch what they like on YouTube, which helps create a connection and makes them feel understood and comfortable.”
How do you ensure you have the support you need for your own well-being and mental health?
“I ensure I have the support I need for my well-being and mental health by relying on my partner Jen and attending regular therapy, which is free for carers. I also read about behaviours I may not understand in children in care and do my own research. Additionally, having time to myself to watch something I enjoy is crucial for maintaining my balance.”
want to start your fostering journey?
If reading Lewis’s story has encouraged you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
