Merthyr Transforms Foster Care Support with enhanced Benefits Package

Merthyr Council have agreed to introduce an improved offer to local authority foster carers. This recognises and empowers local foster families, offering unprecedented financial and practical benefits to those who open their hearts and homes to children in need.

In a landmark announcement, the local authority will now provide foster carers with a comprehensive support package that includes a 100% Council Tax reduction, free parking across all Council car parks, and enhanced financial allowances that truly reflect the critical role foster families play in supporting vulnerable children.

"This initiative is about more than financial support - it's about valuing the incredible commitment of our foster carers," said Cllr Louise Minett-Vokes, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health & Youth Participation. "We're sending a clear message that foster families are essential partners in our community's care system, and we're committed to providing them with the recognition and resources they deserve."

The comprehensive benefits package includes:
• 100% Council Tax reduction
• Competitive weekly allowances per child
• Free parking in all Merthyr Council car parks
• Holiday and birthday additional payments
• Dedicated local support team
• Access to therapeutic practitioners
• Comprehensive training and equipment support

A Merthyr Tydfil Foster Carer commented: "After becoming foster carers, we were advised we were eligible for a Council tax discount which was a great reduction on our bill. The recent review carried out now gives carers a total exemption of the payment which we feel shows that Foster Wales Merthyr really appreciate and value their foster carers, and understand the difficulties families could face with rising costs. 

“We would encourage anyone who has the right heart to give a home to our beautiful young children to make contact and enquire as there is financial, emotional and practical support available with local authority fostering."

Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil aims to not only attract new foster carers but to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers and appreciates existing foster families.

Alongside our current fostering community, we have enhanced our support to foster families, including regular coffee mornings, learning sessions, family parties and informal foster carer gatherings focused on self-care and wellbeing. We have introduced a buddy scheme for new foster families and have a set of foster carers on hand to over practical and emotional support to any carers who need it.

With this positive community and our new support offer we hope it gives reassurance to the people of Merthyr that you could join us in opening your home and foster.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Foster Wales Merthyr to learn more about becoming a foster carer and exploring this transformative support package.

https://merthyrtydfil.fosterwales.gov.wales/support-and-fostering-allowance-in-merthyr/

Contact: Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil
enquiries@fosterwalesctm.co.uk
01443 425007