Guest Article – Foster Wales Wrexham
‘Stability can be the turning point that changes everything for a child in care.’
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.
Lisa has been a foster carer with her local authority in Wrexham for over four years. She describes fostering as “the most rewarding, special, absolutely priceless thing you can do.”
She explains: “We just wanted to provide and give these children the love that we have, and it’s been magical — seeing their faces, watching them progress, and seeing the confidence they can gain simply from being loved and having a secure environment.
“Fostering has also had a really positive effect on our own two children. They’ve developed so much empathy and care, and just like me and Kate, they have a huge amount of love to give. It’s brought us all closer together as a family and shown us just how powerful a stable, loving home can be.”
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services said “We are very proud of our Foster Carers in Wrexham. We are pleased to learn that foster carers are accessing the resources that are available to them, and these are having a positive impact on the children in their care when supporting complex issues like childhood trauma.”
“Foster Wales Wrexham are committed to supporting foster carers through the highs and the lows of fostering, and the survey shows just how important and valued that local support is.”
This Foster Care Fortnight, you can meet the Foster Wales Wrexham Team and Foster Carers at Acton Community Resource Centre, Wrexham, LL12 7LB on May 20, 10am – 2pm.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wrexham, you can visit the Foster Wales Wrexham website.
