Councillor Mandy Evans from Swansea recently shed light on the challenges faced by individuals who take on the responsibility of nurturing and caring for their young relatives. In a council committee meeting, Cllr Evans expressed the emotional toll and ‘heart-wrenching’ nature of kinship caring, where family members step in to prevent their young relatives from entering foster or residential care. She highlighted the lack of recognition these carers receive, noting that their invaluable contributions often go unnoticed within communities. Swansea Council reported having 93 “connected carers” and 132 mainstream foster carers as of last March. Connected carers are individuals with a personal connection to the child they care for, while mainstream foster carers look after children who are not known to them.
Having previously served on a fostering panel, Cllr Evans emphasised the emotional challenges faced by foster carers and underscored the inadequacy of funding provided for such vital services. She noted that no amount of funding would ever suffice to fully support these carers in their roles. While acknowledging the excellent training provided to foster carers, Cllr Evans suggested a need for greater emphasis on preparing carers for the significant impact fostering would have on their lives. Julie Davies, Head of child and family services, highlighted the council’s efforts to support foster and connected carers by providing in-house assistance, organizing social events, and seeking feedback to improve services. Davies also mentioned the council’s recruitment drive to onboard an additional 60 foster carers over the next three years to enhance self-sufficiency in this area.
Swansea Council’s approach focuses on expanding in-house fostering and residential care provision in response to proposed Welsh Government legislation aimed at eliminating profit from child care services. The council seeks to increase capacity in its two residential homes from four to 25 young people within the next four years. This expansion involves acquiring suitable properties and hiring additional care staff. Moreover, Swansea provides supported accommodation for children in care requiring support, young care leavers, and those at risk of homelessness. The committee report highlighted that all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children under 18 were considered looked-after children in Swansea, with the potential for up to 46 such individuals in the city.
Furthermore, the council’s efforts to recruit foster carers include innovative strategies like a dedicated Facebook page, resulting in a rise in inquiries from potential carers. The report noted a shortage of accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people over 18, posing a significant challenge for Swansea. As the council navigates these complex care issues, the emphasis remains on meeting the needs of vulnerable children and young people through improved support systems and recruitment drives. Swansea’s commitment to enhancing care services underscores the importance of recognising and supporting those who selflessly care for young relatives, ensuring they receive the acknowledgment and assistance they deserve.