Foster carers are encouraging others to consider fostering a child and create lasting connections in Caerphilly County Borough.
Foster Care Fortnight, the biggest fostering awareness campaign of the year, takes place between May 12th and May 25th this year, with this year’s theme celebrating the power of relationships.
Whether it’s the bond between a carer and a child, the relationship created with supportive social workers, or the friendships built with other foster carers in a community, strong relationships are the golden thread that run through all fostering stories.
In Wales, there are more than 7,000 children in care, but only 3,800 foster families. Foster Wales is aiming to recruit an additional 800 carers by 2026.
Kelly Selway shared her story of the lasting relationships she has formed as a result of fostering through Foster Wales, “I’ve always been told it takes a village to raise a child… I always assumed that village would be friends and family, but during my time fostering for Caerphilly I’ve realised that that village also consists of a massive team of social workers.
From the fostering team who answer my calls when I’m unsure, to my link worker who visits and catches up with me like an old friend. They don’t always have the answers but they will always try and get the answers for me, and provide me with a sympathetic ear when I need it. And as professional as they always are, I never feel like I’m being judged or made to feel any less than them. They get to know the whole family on such a personal level, being there for our highs and lows it’s difficult not to have such a deep fondness and respect for them and the hard work they do for all foster carers and children.
Right now, my link worker is working with my birth child as she’s been struggling a little, and that one act of kindness to my daughter means more to me than anything. It’s giving her a voice, which I know is important to the foster team, that she can express how she feels and they will try and make it better for her. I couldn’t ask to work with a better team, or should I say village.”
