Inspectors have praised Barnardo’s Cymru Fostering Service in a new report, praising the “consistent nurturing care and support” the charity provides.
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) carried out the inspection in March at the service’s base in Caerphilly.
At the time of the report, Barnardo’s Cymru Fostering Service was supporting a number of children and young people living with foster families.
Inspectors also highlighted that children live in “warm, welcoming homes where they feel safe and included” which are well monitored to make sure they meet children’s needs, and that foster carers are “well trained, trauma-informed and advocate strongly for children”.
Bridget Davies has fostered with Barnardo’s Cymru for nearly 20 years and is proud that although her first foster child is now grown up and living on his own, he still keeps in regular contact.
She said:
“We have a unique young person in our home. Barnardo’s celebrates this. I was able to choose specific training that met the changing needs of my young person.
“My supervising social workers become friends to the whole family. They take time with me, listen to my voice as well as the young person’s, and don’t judge or dismiss me. I have always felt valued, appreciated and been thanked for all I do.”
Martin Kaid, Operations Manager at Barnardo’s Cymru Adoption and Fostering Service, said:
“We are absolutely delighted by the positive outcome of the report. This result reflects a significant journey for our service, and we are incredibly proud of how far we have come.
“None of this would have been possible without our remarkable foster parents, whose love, nurturing and unwavering care for the children and young people amazes me every day. Their resilience is truly inspiring. I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated team of social workers and administration staff, whose professionalism, commitment, and passion are central to supporting our carers, children, and young people. This achievement belongs to all of them.”
During the 2024/2025 year, Barnardo’s supported around 6,200 children, young people, parents and carers through 47 services in Wales.
