Campaign launched to significantly increase number of foster carers in Bridgend County Borough

A campaign by ‘Foster Wales’, the new network of 22 local authority fostering services across the country aims to make a substantial national impact on the futures of young people.  

With over a third (39 per cent) of Welsh adults saying they have considered becoming a foster carer, a new campaign launches across Wales today, aimed at significantly increasing the number and diversity of local authority foster carers so more children can live with families in their own community.

Across the country, every child in need of a foster carer is in the care of their local authority. The new bilingual advertising campaign for Bridgend County Borough Council and the other 21 not-for-profit local authority fostering teams that make up ‘Foster Wales’, aims to increase the number of foster parents needed to help keep children in their local area, when that is right for them.

Every child needs the chance to live with their own local community. This can make such a difference to child, keeping the close to their friends, their school and their sense of identity. It also builds confidence and reduces the stress of moving away from everything they know.  

 

Becoming a foster carer is a life changing decision to help Bridgend’s children live within a family in our county. To listen to them, care for them and believe in them.  All children who need someone on their side, someone to love them. You will be supported by people who share your aims and values and will be with you every step of the way. People like your local authority fostering team here in Bridgend County Borough who will ensure you have the training and support you need, when you need it.

The council’s cabinet member for Social Services and Early Help, Councillor Nicole Burnett

There is still a need to recruit an around 550 new foster carers across Wales every year. This is to provide the very best care for children who need care and support, while replacing carers who retire or decide provide a permanent home to children.    

I know from listening to foster carers just how rewarding fostering can be. This new initiative will benefit looked after children and allow Local Authority fostering and recruitment teams across Wales to think bigger, creating a national impact without losing their advantage of specific local expertise.

This government is committed to reducing the number of children in care, giving care experienced children better outcomes, and importantly eliminating the profit element of children in care. Foster Wales is part of achieving this promise and will better enable children to stay in their community and meet the evolving needs of foster children and the people who foster them.

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS

While no two children are the same, neither is the foster care they need. There is no ‘typical’ foster family. Whether somebody owns their own home or rents, whether they’re married or single. Whatever their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith, there are young people who need someone on their side.   

We hope to welcome many more people into fostering with Foster Wales over the coming months

Anyone who fosters with their local authority Foster Wales team does so safe in the knowledge that wherever their fostering future takes them, we’ll be beside them every step of the way with all the dedicated expertise, advice and training needed to support their fostering journey.

All children have a right to thrive. All we need is more people like you to open their doors and welcome them in.

The council’s cabinet member for Social Services and Early Help, Councillor Nicole Burnett

The new campaign by Foster Wales will span TV, radio, Spotify and digital platforms. 

If you have been thinking about changing your life, and supporting a child who needs you, find out more about local authority fostering in Bridgend County Borough, visit  https://bridgend.fosterwales.gov.wales or please call 01443 425 007.