why foster with us?

support and rewards

finance and allowances

As a foster carer with your Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan team, you’ll have access to generous financial allowances. These can vary depending on a range of factors such as the type of fostering you do, how many children you care for, and for how long you foster.

For example, right now in the Vale of Glamorgan there are foster carers who receive between £16,000 and £23,000 a year, per child.

other rewards

There are more rewards to being a foster carer than you might think. As well as the support and allowances mentioned already, in the Vale of Glamorgan you’ll also get:

  • 24-hour on-call service provided by the social work team you know and trust.
  • An up to 12-week retainer payment to support you during periods where you may not be caring for foster children.
  • A My Max activity days card – including discounts to family attractions like Drayton Manor, Go Ape and Butlins.
  • Access to your own online learning and development platform, enabling you to learn in a way that works for you, along with easy access to up-to-date information.
  • Wrap around support from our local psychology team, ENFYS, who provide psychology-led training and 1:1 support and advice to aid you with therapeutic parenting techniques.

the foster wales national commitment

That’s not all: every Local Authority in Wales has signed up to the National Commitment. This is an agreed package of rewards, support and training that can be enjoyed by all of our foster carers. So, just like every Foster Wales foster carer, you will benefit from the following:

Happy senior man smiling with young boy on shoulders

one team

This is your local Foster Wales team, and the wider national network. We all work together with you, the children in your care and every professional involved with the child. This is all part of the same service.

You’re a key member of our team. This means you will be included, valued and respected by everyone at Foster Wales. Working together is what we are about. Always. This focus on connection helps build the best futures for all of the children in our care, as well as their foster families.

By joining this amazing team, you are joining those who hold the ultimate responsibility for every child that needs foster care in the Vale of Glamorgan. This is what makes the Foster Wales team unique.

learning and development

We are here to help you grow. Across the whole of Wales, the framework for our services to help with your development are consistent. This is so you can benefit from a shared, considered and proven package.

Learning and growth are a key part of what we offer, after all.

To fully meet the needs of the children in your care, we provide all the tools and training necessary. This will help you grow more confident and become more capable.

When you become a foster carer with Foster Wales, you will also have an individual personal learning record and development plan. This recognises the valuable experiences and skills you have brought with you at the start of your journey, and keeps track of the progress you’re making. It’s a tool we use to help plan your future.

Two young boys in playground playing together on seesaw

support

You’re never alone – you have a team to support you. To encourage you. Every step of the way, your Foster Wales team will be beside you.

You will benefit from a skilled and highly experienced professional social worker, plus our wider team who will be on hand to help at all times. We are here for you, your family and your entire network.

You will also be able to access a range of support groups in your local area. These range from regular carer forums with senior members of the management team to monthly support groups. This is where you can share experiences with other foster carers and make lasting friendships with people like you.

You will find new communities with us. You will find people who understand.

Group of 5 children and young teenagers dancing in street

fostering community

We stay connected.

Be prepared to enjoy regular events and activities that can bring you closer to other foster families. This is where you will gain new experiences. Gain new friendships. Gain new memories to cherish.

You will also have access to a treasure trove of information and online advice. You will never feel alone.

Further benefits when joining Foster Wales include becoming a member of The Fostering Network (TFN) and the Association for Fostering and Adoption (AFA) Cymru. These memberships are completely paid for by us. These fostering organisations offer independent support, guidance, private advice and many more benefits. We include these as standard as we know how important they are.

Adult helping boy learn to ride a bicycle

shaping the future

Every foster carer and every child in our care has a unique story. We know how important this is, but the next step is even more important. This is why we focus on the present and the future – we’re not led by the past. As a Foster Wales foster parent, you’re a part of this and you help to shape the future.

Your voice will be heard. In your local area, plus both regionally and nationally. We value your views and we want you to make an impact going forward. So, you will have opportunities to consult and influence the future of fostering in Wales whenever there are changes to be made. You will also be kept up to date with regular news and information.

Woman and young girl using computer to make video call

take the first step

contact our local foster care team

  • Vale of Glamorgan Council is the data controller for the personal information you provide on this form. Your information will be used in the exercise of our official authority and will not be used for any other purpose. We will not share your data with third parties unless we are required or permitted to do so by law. Data protection law describes the legal basis for our processing your data as necessary for the performance of a public task. For further information about how Vale of Glamorgan Council uses your personal data, including your rights as a data subject, please see our privacy notice.