Campaign launched to increase foster carers in Ceredigion

Launched on Monday (Sep 20), Foster Wales, the new national network of 22 local authority fostering services in Wales, is running a campaign to get more foster carers. It 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 Ceredigion and the other 21 not-for-profit Local Authority fostering teams to increase the number of carers 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.

Councillor Catherine Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Porth Ceredigion, Early Intervention, Wellbeing Hubs and Culture said: “All children have a right to thrive and we need more people like you to open their doors and welcome them in. Becoming a foster carer is a decision to help local children who need someone to listen to them and care for them. To believe in them. Children who need someone on their side, someone to love them. Here in Ceredigion, our Local Authority fostering team are ready to help you be that person a child needs in their life.”

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.

No two children are the same and therefore neither is the foster care they need. There is no ‘typical’ foster family; whether somebody owns their own home or rents, whether they’re married or single. Whatever their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith, there are young people who need someone to care for and support them.

Anyone who fosters with Foster Wales Ceredigion does so safe in the knowledge that wherever their fostering future takes them, the team will be beside them every step of the way with all the dedicated expertise, advice and training needed to support their fostering journey.

To find out more about Local Authority fostering in Ceredigion visit  ceredigion.fosterwales.gov.wales or phone 01545 574000 for further information.