Life as a foster carer is highly rewarding, especially with your local authority (local council). You will provide a stable and caring home. You will make a real difference to children’s lives. And you will help them to grow in confidence during a difficult time. So, read on and discover how you can transform your life and the lives of children in your local community.

Why foster for your local authority?

All children in care are ‘looked after’ by their own local authority, and not by Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs). And it is the responsibility of the local authority to find suitable homes for them.

Naturally we approach our own approved carers first because we have a good relationship with them and know that they are well trained and supported. We also know that the children will be able to remain in their local community, minimising disruption and distress for them because they can stay at their school and meet up with their friends.

In most instances every local authority would prefer to place children with their own approved foster carers, as most Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) are profit making.

What is the 10+ campaign?

15 local authorities from across Wales have come together to increase the number of council approved foster carers with a particular focus on attracting people to care for children aged 10+. Why? Because there is a shortage of such foster carers and there are many children who need the stability of a loving home.

Now not all teens are tearaways or hoodies. Some come into our care because they have family problems. And some simply have nobody to look after them. They don’t need constant attention, but they do need support, advice and someone to care for them – which is where you come in.

Who is involved?

Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan.

What is fostering?

Fostering is where a child goes to live with a foster family because they cannot live with their own families. Whatever the cause for this, it is a difficult time for them, so they need a stable home and plenty of support, care and understanding. This could be for just a few days, a few months, or even possibly a few years. There are different types of fostering, such as:

• Looking after a child in an emergency
• Caring for child for a couple of months until they are able to go home;
• Supporting a child until they are ready to be independent.

If you would like to foster for your local authority, click here to discover what to do next.