Foster carers in Merthyr Tydfil share ‘breakthrough’ moments for Foster Care Fortnight

 ‘To be able to make a difference and start them on a journey to a better life is so rewarding’

The first time a child laughs, opens up about their day, asks to watch a film; these are moments that many might take for granted, but for foster carers in Wales, they symbolise one thing, a breakthrough.

Children who have experienced trauma often develop ways of protecting themselves. This might include behaviour such as anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions or difficulty following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found around 80% of carers surveyed have supported children who displayed behaviour like this. While these challenges can be tough, half of foster carers surveyed also said they noticed a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

Foster carers shared that these breakthrough moments were often centred around small moments of connection, but they represent more than that: for children in care, it means they have made progress, they have started to feel safe, they have started to heal, to feel loved and to feel supported following childhood trauma.

After experience, support and professional guidance, almost all carers (93%) said they are now confident responding to trauma‑related behaviour.

The findings are released ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which takes place every May. This year’s theme, This is Fostering, shines a spotlight on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children feel safe.

Mike and Lisa from Merthyr Tydfil are some of 120 foster carers who responded to the Foster Wales survey.

“We started our fostering journey about 8 years ago. Through that journey we have fostered a total of 11 children all newborns to toddler age. It would be a lie to say the journey has been a breeze because each child has different challenges but each and every one of them are in care for a reason whether it be trauma, neglect or abuse.

To be able to make a difference and start them on a journey to a better life is so rewarding and to be able to be a part of creating new families or seeing families reunited makes our experience so worthwhile.

Every child we have cared for becomes part of our family and we have been lucky to have been able to maintain a relationship with most of them, wherever their new lives may be.”

Head of Children's Services at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a time to shine a light on the extraordinary commitment, compassion and resilience of our foster carers here at Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil. Every day, they transform young lives by offering stability, understanding and a place to belong. We are proud to support The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight campaign, with this year's theme being ‘This is Fostering’, which highlights the real stories and experiences that sit at the heart of fostering and the vital role carers play in shaping brighter futures.

As Head of Children’s Services, I am immensely proud of the individuals and families in our community who step forward to support our children and young people. We remain committed to working together to ensure every child in Merthyr Tydfil has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing and loving home.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Merthyr, visit Fostering in Merthyr Tydfil | Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil

You can meet your local Foster Wales team at:

Family Fun Day at Taf Bargoed Park on 31st May