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Campaign launched to significantly increase number and diversity of foster carers in Flintshire

Published: 20/09/2021

Campaign launched to significantly increase number and diversity of foster carers in Flintshire

The campaign by ‘Foster Wales’, the new network of 22 Local Authority fostering services across the country aims to make a substantial national impact on the futures of young people.

With over a third (39%) of Welsh adults saying they have considered becoming a foster carer, a new campaign launches across Wales today, aimed at significantly increasing the number and diversity of Local Authority foster carers.

Throughout the country, every child in need of a foster carer is in the care of their Local Authority. The new bilingual advertising push, representing Flintshire and the other 21 not-for-profit Local Authority fostering teamsthat make up ‘Foster Wales’, aims to increase the number of foster parents 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 and mean the world to a child. Not only does it keep them connected to their friends, their school and their sense of identity, but it also builds confidence and reduces stress 

Flintshire foster carer Jenny explains:

“Staying local is important to children. Their parents and siblings are still very important to them. They like to know they are not too far from home.

“I came into fostering after I retired. I had worked with children in care through school. I thought if I could offer a teen a home then they can continue their education.

“By opening up your home, you can provide a child with safety. That’s what you really want for a child isn’t it, that they can feel safe. To be listened to and allowed to be kids. You can give them back their childhood.

“Every child is different and their circumstances are different. I like to get to know them gradually and not overwhelm them as soon as they get through the door.

“Home ought to be a safe place. We show them there is a different way. Some have never had a bedtime story, had a day out or eaten out. A pub lunch is a real highlight that they’ve never experienced. You’ve got to be so patient. A lot of the children are not used to having regular meals.”

There is still a need to recruit an estimated 550 new foster carers and families across Wales every year. 

While no two children are the same, 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 on their side.

Flintshire’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones, said:

“People who become foster carers are warm and caring people. That’s what children want and that’s the first criteria you need.

“We hope to welcome many more people into fostering with Foster Wales over the coming months. All children have a right to thrive. All we need is more people like you and like Jenny to open their doors and welcome them in.

“Anyone who fosters with the Foster Wales Flintshire team does so safe in the knowledge that we’ll be beside them every step of the way with all the dedicated expertise, advice and training needed to support their fostering journey.

“The local authority fostering team have worked with a lot of the children and know their stories. They have a lot of knowledge.” 

The new campaign by Foster Wales will span TV, radio, Spotify and digital platforms 

To find out more about Local Authority fostering in Flintshire, visit www.fosterwales.flintshire.gov.uk.