Young people with experience of being in care are sharing the meaningful relationships they developed through the fostering community that changed their lives for the better.
This Foster Care Fortnight, which takes place annually and falls between May 12 and May 25 in 2025, the fostering community is celebrating the power of relationships.
Whether it’s the bond between a carer and a child, the relationship created with supportive social workers, or the friendships built with other foster carers in a community, strong relationships are the golden thread that run through all fostering stories.
In Wales, there are more than 7,000 children in care, but only 3,800 foster families. Foster Wales is aiming to recruit an additional 800 carers by 2028.
Lisa was just three days before her 8th birthday when she went into foster care in Wrexham.
In unfamiliar surroundings, she was scared. She didn’t understand why she was there. But 21 years later, the foster family who opened their hearts and home to her as a scared and vulnerable 7-year-old, is still her family today – and they’ve never stopped being there for her.
Lisa says that foster care saved her life.
“After years of abuse, they made me feel safe and secure. I wasn’t scared anymore” says Lisa, who is now a mum herself and is studying to become a nurse.
“When I first arrived, I couldn’t read or write. My foster carers supported me through everything. They got me a tutor, helped me with after-school clubs, and read with me every night.”
“I’ve always been treated as part of the family, no different to how they treated their own children. They accepted me for who I am, and that’s never changed.”
Lisa lived with her foster family until she was 19 when she moved into her own flat whilst pregnant with her child. “They told me I could stay as long as I wanted, but I felt it was time to have my own space. Even then, they supported me every step of the way. They made sure I had everything I needed to start this next chapter. They treat my child as their grandchild, and they’re just as involved in our lives now as they’ve always been.”
“I’m still in touch with other children who were fostered by my family. Some of them went back to their birth families, but we’ve all stayed connected. They feel like extended family to me.”
“Fostering creates those lifelong bonds, even when everyone’s journey is different.”
Cllr Rob Walsh, lead member for children’s and family services, said: “Lisa’s story shows just how important the role of a foster carer can be. Having a safe and secure environment can be life changing for young people who have experienced had a difficult times previously.”
“If you have thought about being a foster carer but aren’t sure what it actually involves, or maybe you know you will be able to offer a young person a caring home but feel you would need support to really make a difference, then please make contact with our team here in Wrexham. They will be able to give you all the information and help that you need.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wrexham visit: wrexham.fosterwales.gov.wales/
Meet your local Foster Wales Wrexham team at one of our event:
- May 15, Information drop-in session at the Wellbeing Hub from 10am – 2pm
- May 20, Information stall at Tesco (Wrexham city centre) 10am – 2pm.
If you can’t make it to one of these events, call us on 01978 295316 or email fostering@wrexham.gov.uk and we can organise an informal chat or send you some information.
Lisa’s story: “They gave me a chance at life” – Foster Wales Wrexham
