Mother's pride at daughters support for fostering other children

Mother's pride at daughters support for fostering other children

A foster carer says she’s “so proud” of the way her three daughters have made a child in their care feel like “one of the gang”.

As part of Children of Foster Carers Week (from October 13 to October 19), Foster Wales carers shared stories of how their children have helped make those in their care feel happier, more welcome, safer, and more loved.

It has been said that the potential impact on their children is one of the barriers for prospective foster carers, but in fact many children find benefits to being a part of a family who fosters. Seeing life from another’s perspective can be an enriching experience that can help a child learn and develop as an individual. Children also find they can develop their own bonds with children who are fostered in their home.

Amy and Rhys fostered a young person through Foster Wales Bridgend last year, and said they’ve been blown away by the support of their daughters Georgia, 14, Grace, 12, and Gabi, eight.

“It’s made us so proud,” Amy said. “They have acted in such a wonderful way. They have always helped out and just the way they have taken to it. They have been brilliant.”

Amy said it was important for them to always involve their daughters in the fostering process.

“I first brought it up to the children before I spoke to Rhys. They were very positive right from the beginning, from the first social worker visit.

“They treat her as one of the gang. The eldest has mentioned that it’s made her feel more grateful for her life and helped her realise not everyone has it so easy. They are very appreciative of what they have got.”

Rhys has been pleased by the amount of support the family have received from the fostering community.

“We often go to the coffee mornings where it’s a great chance for the children to get together to play and for us to ask questions and seek advice.

“Being new to fostering there are a lot of things we’re having to learn. The community we have and the support we get from other foster carers, or the social workers has helped us along with the process.”

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy leader, Bridgend County Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “Fostering is a special journey involving the whole family, and the role birth children play is often one of the most powerful and inspiring elements of that story.

“Foster siblings offer an incredibly positive contribution towards the foster child/young person’s experience. At Foster Wales Bridgend we wish to celebrate the compassion, resilience, and a deep capacity for empathy the young foster siblings show. Their kindness helps children in foster care feel safe, welcomed, and loved from the moment the arrive.

“Children like Georgia, Grace, and Gabi remind us that fostering is not just about providing a home but about building a family unit where love and support are the foundations. Hearing their experiences shows us how fostering can enrich the lives of everyone involved, helping to shape brighter futures and stronger communities.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Bridgend visit: www.bridgend.fosterwales.gov.wales

Meet your local Foster Wales team at Princess of Wales Hospital, Thurs 23^rd October and Tuesday 4^th November, 10am-3pm