A new campaign launched by Foster Wales, the new national network of 22 local authority fostering services in Wales, aims to make a positive impact on the futures of children and young people and attract some of the 39% of adults in Wales who have considered becoming a foster carer.
Any child in Wales in need of a foster carer is in the care of their Local Authority and it is hoped that this new campaign will enable Powys and the other 21 not-for-profit Local Authority fostering teams to increase the number of foster families needed to help keep children in their local area, when that is right for them.
Helping children to stay in their local community can be of great benefit to a child, allowing them to remain connected to their friends, their school, and maintain their sense of identity, building their confidence and reducing anxiety.
Cllr Rachel Powell, Powys County Council’s Cabinet member for Children’s Services, says:
“Becoming a foster carer is a decision to help local children who need someone to listen to them. To believe in them. Children who need someone on their side, someone to love them. It’s a decision to work with people who share those aims, people like your Local Authority fostering team here in Powys.”
There is still a need to recruit an estimated 550 new foster carers and families across Wales every year to keep up with the numbers of children in need of care and support, and replace carers who retire or provide a permanent home to children.
Launching Foster Wales in July, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS, said:
“I know from listening to foster carers just how rewarding fostering can be. This new initiative will benefit looked after children and allow Local Authority fostering and recruitment teams across Wales to think bigger, creating a national impact without losing their advantage of specific local expertise.
“This government is committed to reducing the number of children in care, giving care experienced children better outcomes and importantly eliminating the profit element of children in care. Foster Wales is part of achieving this promise and will better enable children to stay in their community and meet the evolving needs of foster children and the people who foster them.”
No two children, and therefore the foster care they need, are the same and there is no ‘typical’ foster family. Whether somebody owns their own home or rents, whether they’re married, in a civil partnership, or single. Whatever their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith, there are young people who need someone to care for and support them.
“We hope to welcome many more people into fostering for Powys over the coming months,” adds Cllr Rachel Powell.
“Anyone who fosters with Foster Wales Powys does so safe in the knowledge that we have dedicated expertise, advice and training to support their fostering journey.
“All children have a right to thrive and all we need is more people like you to open their doors and welcome them in.”
The new campaign by Foster Wales will span TV, radio, Spotify and digital platforms – look out for the adverts starting this evening.
To find out more about Local Authority fostering in Powys visit: powys.fosterwales.gov.wales or phone 0800 22 30 627 for further information.
