Fostering News: Foster care has 'never been more important' than during the pandemic

The director of The Fostering Network in Wales said that transforming the lives of young people through foster care has "never been more important".

Colin Turner, who is also a foster carer, said the network is appealing for more people to foster at this difficult time.

Every day around 3,700 foster families across Wales are looking after 4,800 fostered children and young people.

Foster carers provide support and stability to those who can’t live with their birth families, and this commitment is ongoing during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Fostering Network said carers have also been helping to maintain the children’s relationships with the people who are important to them but who they cannot currently see in person.

It said: "Every year hundreds more foster families are needed across Wales to make sure fostered children can live with the right foster carer for them."

Colin Turner added: "Foster carers help children and young people flourish and fulfil their potential, as well as provide a vital service to our society. Because this happens mainly in the privacy of their own homes – especially at the moment – their contributions too often go unnoticed."
Terry, from Llanelli, has fostered for 15 years with his partner, and they are currently looking after two siblings and a baby.

"What motivates me to foster is knowing that I had a loving, solid upbringing and I simply want to return what I received to the children in my care."
– TERRY, FOSTER CARER

Terry said: "Fostering will always have challenges but the rewards far outweigh these. Being a foster carer you have to be a strong, sometimes assertive, to get what's best for your child. You need to have patience, be tolerant and show empathy. Stability is key too – my first foster child was with me for 12 years.

"Seeing a child achieve, however little it may be, is a step in the right direction."

Source:
www.itv.com

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