Carmarthenshire foster carers share the importance of local support

A couple who transferred to foster with Foster Wales Carmarthenshire in 2016 are reflecting on their journey, one that has spanned over two decades and transformed the lives of many children and young people.

Their fostering journey began in 2004 when a relative, who was already a foster carer, encouraged them to consider fostering. After learning about the process and what it entailed, they decided to take the leap, and haven’t looked back since.

Initially, they fostered with an Independent Fostering Agency, where they remained for 12 years. Their focus was on long-term fostering, providing children and young people who couldn’t live with their birth families a permanent, stable home.

In 2016, they made the decision to transfer to foster with Foster Wales Carmarthenshire. One of the key factors in their decision was the additional support and rewards provided, which have made a real difference to their fostering experience. Importantly, they were able to transfer with their existing placements, ensuring continuity and stability for the children and young people in their care.

The transfer process was very simple. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.”

Their initial impressions of fostering with the Local Authority confirmed that they had made the right choice.

Our first impressions of the Local Authority were that there was far more support and financial help. All of a sudden, we had extra funding for holidays, birthdays, and Christmas, which was a great help.”

Since transferring, they have continued to receive invaluable support, both emotionally and practically, from our fostering team. Regular training and supervision have also played a vital role in their development as foster carers.

Our social workers and all the teams we work with are so helpful. Whenever I need someone, there is always help and support there.

We get regular training and supervision. The training is very valuable, and they use excellent trainers."

Their experience with Foster Wales Carmarthenshire has left them feeling part of a strong and supportive network.

I would highly recommend the Local Authority due to the level of support. We are one big professional family around the children.”

For this dedicated fostering couple, one of the most rewarding moments of their journey was becoming foster grandparents.

We became foster grandparents to our first ever placement, placed in 2004. Despite so many challenges, she has been very successful in life and is a great mother and partner to her boyfriend.”

Cllr. Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Children and Families, said:

Foster carers play an incredible role in changing the lives of children and young people in foster care, and it is so important that they receive the right support to continue making a difference. We are here to guide foster carers through every step of the process, ensuring continuity for them and the children and young people in their care.”

If you’re already fostering, then you’ve already made the important decision to open your heart and home. To find out more about fostering in Carmarthenshire, visit Foster Wales Carmarthenshire.