May 16, 2022 - 1715 views
This Foster Care Fortnight, Foster Wales wants to celebrate the difference that foster carers have made to children’s lives in Conwy.
From foster carers who have shown dedication over many years to those just starting their fostering journey to make a difference to local children.
Foster Care Fortnight from May 9th to 22nd is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.
This year’s theme is 'fostering communities' and the campaign will focus on the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.
It hopes to shine a light on the many ways people in the fostering community have supported each other during the Covid-19 pandemic – and to highlight the need for more dedicated foster carers.
Over the last two years, families across the country have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic. With people not able to see loved ones, schools being closed and lines of support difficult to access, communities across Wales have found other ways to support each other during these challenging times.
This has been all the more true for our fostering families, who have had to adapt the way in which they support our children and think creatively, especially when doing things virtually such as Family Time.
Many have used this difficult period as an opportunity to create an altogether more positive ‘new normal’ - not only in their lives but in the lives of our local children.
According to Foster Wales, over 350 families in Wales started fostering with their local authority during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Iwan Davies; Chief Executive of Conwy County Borough Council said: “The last two years have certainly been challenging but we’ve seen such determination, compassion and selflessness from our foster carers in Conwy Country Borough Council, and across Wales, who have opened their doors to children and given them a safe place during the Covid pandemic when the rest of the country were struggling to even see their own families.”
“Fostering has had to adapt to the strange circumstances we all found ourselves in and our foster carers really stepped up to provide outstanding care and support for children and families who needed them, and we want to say a big thank you and convey our appreciation for everything they've done.”
Conwy County Borough Council is one of 22 local authority teams in Wales, working together as Foster Wales, a national collaboration of not-for-profit fostering services.
Foster Wales wants to encourage more people to become foster carers for their local authority so children can remain in their local area, be close to their friends and family and remain in their school and continue to attend local clubs/activities.
This can help children and young people retain their sense of identity during an otherwise turbulent time.
Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales, the national network of local authority fostering services said “Most people don't realise that it's your local authority, your local council, who take care of children when their family is experiencing difficulties or when children are living with abusive and neglectful situations, and it’s your local authority who finds them a safe place and is responsible for them.
“There is a wealth of knowledge in the Foster Wales local authority fostering teams and dedicated social workers who all work together with local families and local schools to build better futures for local children.
“By fostering locally, you are helping children to stay in their community, with the surroundings, accent, school, language, friends and activities they know. It keeps them connected, builds stability and confidence.
“We'd encourage people not just to foster, but to foster with their local authority, which is part of Foster Wales, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the children in our care.”
One foster carer who decided to open up her heart and her home to care for children and young people in the last 18 months is Jane.
Jane became an approved foster carer with Foster Wales Conwy around 6 months ago now: “During the pandemic, I decided I wanted to do something different with my career, and to make a difference within my local community so I enquired to foster with my local authority.
“Having previously worked in a caring role for many years, and raising my own children I felt I had a lot to offer for a child in need. Fostering has always been something I have thought about and wanted to do, so I decided to finally take that leap.
“I enquired with Foster Wales Conwy and completed my Assessment and Skills to Foster Training online, due to Wales being on lockdown. My Assessing Social Worker was brilliant and was available throughout the assessment process to answer any of my questions or queries. I have been approved for 6 months now, and I am currently caring for a young girl.
“I have been able to meet other carers online, and I am looking forward to meeting up with them face to face in the local support groups which Foster Wales Conwy run frequently.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about starting their fostering journey to make contact with their local authority. The support I have had from Foster Wales Conwy is brilliant, and means that I am able to help children remain within their local communities, which is what we need for every child.”
Meanwhile, Karen an experienced foster carer shares: “I have been fostering with Foster Wales Conwy for over 10 years now. I decided to foster with my local authority as I know how important it is for children to remain within their local area.
“Keeping as many things as familiar as possible when a child’s life is turned upside down is so important. When children stay in their local community, they can easily spend time with or return to their birth parents if that is what is best for them, carry on attending their school, continue spending time with their friends and attending clubs and activities while in foster care.
“Having a community of other foster carers around you is also so important, and by fostering within our local community we have just that. We all make sure to arrange gatherings whether that be helping with the school run or a walk together. Over the years we have also had Christmas Parties, meals out, Picnics on the Beach, attended the Pantomime and so on.
“The feedback we have from other carers is that they enjoy getting together as they are able to feel like part of a community of wonderful like-minded people, who all have one thing in common – they foster with Foster Wales Conwy.
“It gives everyone an opportunity to share their experiences with a group of people who understand and get it, we can share what’s on within our local area and arrange to meet up and have a coffee with someone who understands the challenges and joys of fostering.”
To find out how you can foster in Conwy County Borough Council visit www.fosterwales.gov.wales.
