Council supports national campaign to promote fostering
As part of a Foster Wales initiative, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is encouraging more people to consider fostering.
There are more than 7,000 children across Wales currently in the care system and at least 53 additional foster carers are needed in the Vale alone to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children.
The national campaign, ‘Bring Something to the Table’, shares realistic experiences from the fostering community, with the aim of addressing common barriers and misconceptions.
It is hoped this can build confidence in those considering this rewarding role.
The vital role of social workers is also highlighted, whose expertise and care provide a crucial support system for foster carers.
Laura, a supervising social worker with nine years of experience, said: “It takes a village to raise a child. “Without a strong support system, fostering can feel isolating.
“That’s why we provide regular supervision meetings, support groups, and foster buddy schemes to ensure our carers feel supported every step of the way.”
Despite their central role, social workers are often misunderstood, with a recent YouGov survey revealing that only 44 per cent of respondents felt social work is well-respected, while 39 per cent believed social workers “often get things wrong.”
However, foster carers in the Vale of Glamorgan are eager to dispel these misconceptions, speaking highly of the support they receive from their social workers.
One local foster carer shared their experience: “In almost 18 years of fostering, I’ve worked with some excellent supervising social workers.
“During a challenging year, my social worker went above and beyond.
“Their dedication and ability to truly understand our family have been invaluable.
“All my children and young people feel comfortable with them and know they’re being listened to and supported.”
Strong and trusting relationships between foster carers and social workers help children overcome challenges and develop a sense of belonging.
Foster carers play a crucial role in giving children stability when they need it most, and fostering through the Council ensures carers receive high-quality training, competitive financial support, and access to a dedicated team of professionals.
Cllr Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the difference Foster Care can make for children dealing with difficult situations outside their control.
“With incredible support from our local authority foster carers within Foster Vale of Glamorgan, children are supported with empathy, skills, experience, and kindness to ensure they feel safe and secure.
“For anyone considering fostering, the Council’s dedicated fostering team is on hand to help people through the process and offer ongoing support”.
To learn more about fostering in the Vale of Glamorgan, visit the Foster Wales website.