‘I entered foster care as a child – I know why planned changes are so important’

Fostering Community in Wales: The Importance of Staying Local for Children in Care
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The fostering community in Wales is rallying behind the “staying local” campaign as The Welsh Government introduces significant changes to the children’s care system. The Health and Social Care Bill aims to eliminate profit from residential and foster care for children, making Wales the first UK nation to do so. This move is seen as a significant step towards prioritising the well-being and stability of children in care. Foster Wales is at the forefront of this campaign, highlighting the benefits of maintaining ties with the local community, friends, and schools for young people in care.

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Recent statistics underline the positive impact of local authority care, with 85% of children placed with local authority foster carers remaining in their region compared to only 31% under commercial fostering agencies. Additionally, only 7% of children were relocated outside of Wales when under commercial agencies. Em Hattersley, who spent her teenage years in foster care, emphasises the importance of consistency in education. She believes that staying in the same school provided stability and a sense of continuity in her life, which significantly aided in her personal development and well-being.

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Sophia Warner, who entered foster care at the age of two, highlights the crucial role of local authority foster care in maintaining sibling bonds. She stresses that fostering connections with the community, school, and familiar surroundings greatly facilitate the transition for children in care. Warner advocates for keeping siblings together as a top priority, as it provides emotional support and a sense of companionship during challenging times. Tim and Victoria, foster carers from Pontypridd, echo these sentiments, citing their positive experience with Foster Wales and the support received in caring for a younger child.

Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care, expresses her satisfaction with the passing of the Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill, emphasising the government’s commitment to transforming children’s services in Wales. With over 7,000 children in the Welsh care system but only 3,800 foster families, Foster Wales aims to recruit over 800 new foster families by 2026. Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales, highlights the benefits of local authority fostering in retaining public finance within local government and ensuring better outcomes and sustainable services for children.

The shift towards prioritising local authority care underscores the importance of providing children in care with stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging within their communities. By enabling young people to maintain connections with their local environment, friends, and schools, the new policy aims to promote positive outcomes and emotional well-being for children in care. The testimonials from care-experienced individuals and foster families in Wales demonstrate the profound impact of staying local and the valuable support provided by local authority care.