Dan and Barry, a same-sex couple from Denbighshire, have embarked on a journey of love and compassion by becoming foster carers nearly a decade ago. Despite initial doubts about being accepted as foster carers due to their sexual orientation, they have surpassed all expectations in providing a stable and nurturing environment for a child they have fostered for eight years. As the number of LGBTQ+ households fostering in Wales has increased by 37%, Dan and Barry stand as shining examples of the positive impact such families can have on children in need.
Their fostering journey began in 2015, following Dan’s redundancy, when they felt ready to expand their family. Initially considering adoption, they were later drawn to foster care after discussions with Foster Wales Denbighshire. Unexpectedly, the child they care for now came into their lives for a respite weekend and ended up finding a permanent home with them. This turn of events changed their lives forever, as they formed a strong bond with the child and fully embraced the role of foster parents.
Growing up in Wales, both Dan and Barry experienced the love and support of their families, shaping their belief that all children deserve a similar upbringing filled with love and security. They are dedicated to providing the child in their care with everything they had during their own childhoods – love, stability, food on the table, and a sense of belonging. Understanding the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, they strive to create a safe and nurturing space where the child can thrive and experience a happy childhood.
Suzanne Griffiths, director of the national adoption service for Wales and Foster Wales, commended the unwavering dedication of foster carers like Dan and Barry, who play a vital role in transforming young lives. Emphasising the importance of ongoing support and guidance for foster carers, she highlighted the significant impact they have in providing a secure environment for children to grow and flourish. With thousands of children relying on the care of foster families, initiatives like Foster Wales are encouraging more individuals to consider fostering or adoption.
Dan and Barry’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance. Through their selfless commitment to providing a loving home for a child in need, they have not only changed the life of the child they care for but have also inspired others to consider fostering. Their journey exemplifies the possibilities that arise when compassion meets action, and when individuals open their hearts and homes to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
In a world where foster families like Dan and Barry are beacons of hope, it is heartening to witness the ripple effect of their kindness and dedication. As they continue on their fostering journey, their story serves as a reminder of the profound difference that love and support can make in a child’s life. Through their unwavering devotion, Dan and Barry are shaping a brighter future for the child in their care and embodying the true essence of family – one built on love, acceptance, and unwavering support.