Rich and Tania are both in their 50s. They are fostering two children from their home in Barry – a girl in her late teens and a younger boy.
the foster family
Rich and Tania have been married for 13 years and both have children of their own from previous relationships. They have fostered together for over 10 years, providing care and love for a number of local children.
“For us, it didn’t feel right to go down the path of having more children of our own. So, we looked into fostering instead and contacted our Local Authority fostering team. It’s given us an opportunity to care and nurture again.”
Rich and Tania love being part of the Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan team. We’ve always been there for them, whenever they have needed support.
“From the big stuff like the formal training, to small things like being on the end of the phone or popping round when we’re having a bad day, they’re always here for us.”
“they need a safe home, but they also need space to just be children.”
Rich and Tania weren’t sure what to expect when they first signed up to be foster carers, but 10 years on it’s changed everything. They’re now more invested than they ever thought they’d be.
“I think we were a little naïve to begin with – we just thought we could help out different children who needed a home for a few months and not commit to anything long term. But then we met Charlie and she’s been with us ever since.”
Charlie first arrived with Tania and Rich when she was seven years old; she’s 17 now. To start with she was shy and tearful, but now she’s really thriving. Tania and Rich know it’s not simply about providing a home, either.
“From day one we’ve given Charlie a warm home with good food on the table and a regular routine. But you’ve also got to make it fun too, she needed a safe home but also that space to just be a child. Same with the young boy living with us now, who keeps us on our toes!”
“it’s a privilege to make a difference in people’s lives”
Ultimately, fostering has brought out the best in everyone – and that’s exactly how it should be.
“We’re so grateful to the Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority fostering team for giving us an opportunity to be a foster family. It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference to these children’s lives. I like to think it’s brought out the best in me too.”
want to become a fostering family?
If you’re feeling inspired by Rich and Tania’s commitment to fostering and want to take the first steps towards being a foster carer yourself, we want to hear from you. Contact us today and we can begin a new chapter in your life.
want to learn more?
Find out more about fostering and all the ways it might reward you.
Our fostering success stories are based on the real-life experiences of Local Authority Foster Carers in Wales. To protect their privacy, and the privacy of the children and young people to whom they provide care, love and support, all the names have been changed and actors have stepped in to help us tell their amazing stories.
