We’ve been fostering for just over a year with Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan, but our journey as foster carers began three and a half years ago. Before transferring, we were with an independent fostering agency (IFA), but moving across to the local authority felt like the right decision – both for us and for the children we care for.
why we chose fostering
Becoming foster carers was something I had always dreamed of. Once our eldest two children moved out, the timing felt right to follow that goal. I’ve always worked with children, and both of us wanted to do something that would give back to society. Fostering seemed like a natural step – a way of opening our home and hearts to children who need stability and care.
making the move to local authority fostering
Although we learned a lot during our early fostering years, we knew a change was needed. We weren’t convinced that the fostering agency was providing the full level of support the children needed, nor that the funding was always being used in the way it should have been. Moving to the local authority has been a fresh start, and we’ve never looked back.
fostering as a family
When we began fostering, our son was just 11. Watching how he has grown through this experience has been incredible. Once a shy youngest sibling, he’s now blossomed into a cheeky, playful boy who has embraced his role as a big brother. Fostering has transformed him just as much as it has enriched our lives.
support that makes a difference
One of the biggest changes we’ve noticed since joining the Vale of Glamorgan council has been the level of support. If I need training on a particular subject to better support a child, my supervising social worker helps make it happen. The support is practical, targeted, and responsive. From children’s social workers to the CLAR team, everyone has been brilliant. It’s a real comfort knowing that if I pick up the phone, someone is there to listen and guide me.
what we’ve learned along the way
Fostering has changed the way we see the world. It isn’t just about helping children; it’s about building families. Small actions that may feel ordinary to us can make a world of difference to the children in our care. We’ve extended our family in the most beautiful way, and we value the moments – big and small – that we share together.
looking ahead
Our hope for every child who comes into our home is simple: that they grow into whoever they want to be. We want them to thrive, to chase their dreams, and to know that no one can tell them they can’t achieve something.
Fostering is not always easy, but it is endlessly rewarding. The challenges are there, of course, but the positives far outweigh them. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, our advice is simple: just do it. You won’t know if it’s for you until you try – and it might just change your life, and a child’s, forever.
👉 Could you offer a child a safe and loving home? If you’d like to find out more about fostering with Foster Wales, we’d love to hear from you.
Living in the Vale of Glamorgan? 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.
