Foster Care Fortnight: This is Fostering
Over the past few weeks, we've been celebrating Foster Care Fortnight (11-24 May), a chance to highlight what fostering really looks like every day.
This year's theme, This is Fostering, focused on the real, everyday moments - the challenges, the joys, and the difference a stable, caring home can make.
Children's voices through art
Our children and young people helped show what fostering really looks like by sharing what it means to them through artwork, submitted to a national competition run by The Fostering Network.
- G (12) created a football-themed poster.
- R (7) made a symbol-supported heart. Roxy is non-verbal and has complex needs, using symbols to communicate, something her artwork beautifully reflects.
- V (14) designed a hand-drawn poster.
- S (16) created a photo collage.
- A (3 months old) created footprint heart, with a little help from the other children, who were keen to make sure she could join in and create her very first piece of art.
These pieces say more than words ever could about what fostering feels like. We're incredibly proud of them for sharing their stories.
What foster carers told us
 We also heard from foster carers across Foster Wales about supporting children who've experienced trauma:
- 80% of carers have supported children displaying trauma-related behaviours.
- 50% see meaningful progress within 6 months.
- 93% feel confident responding to trauma-related behaviours.
These insights highlight the patience, consistency and compassion that fostering takes, and the difference it makes over time.
A local foster carer's experience
Ammanys, a foster carer in Carmarthenshire, shared what it's really like to support children who have experienced trauma.
The first time a child laughs, opens up about their day or asks to watch a film are moments many people might take for granted. For foster carers, they can mean something much more.
"Fostering isn't about fixing everything. It's about being there, staying, and showing children they are safe and valued - even when they push you away."
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This is Fostering. Local people making a real difference to local children.
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