Foster carers in Blaenau Gwent share ‘breakthrough’ moments for Foster Care Fortnight.
'Even in the hardest moments, there were glimpses of connection that reminded me why fostering really matters’
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.
Katie and Paul from Blaenau Gwent is one of 120 foster carers who responded to the Foster Wales survey.
Katie said: “Fostering rarely fits neatly into a timetable: even with a strong routine, plans change quickly because children’s needs, health appointments and family time must come first.
We offer emergency, short‑term, long‑term and respite placements. This range is rewarding, but it requires flexibility, children may arrive with little notice, and each placement brings a different care plan, set of professionals and schedule.
Unexpected events—particularly urgent health concerns—can quickly reshape a week. We manage this by agreeing roles in advance: one carer stays with the child, while the other handles practical arrangements and communication."
Head of children's services at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said:
“Here at Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent we are extremely proud of our foster carers. 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. At Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent we are committed to supporting our foster carers through the highs and the lows of fostering, and this survey shows just how important and valued that local support is.”
During Foster Care Fortnight, you can meet your local Foster Wales team through an informal Online Event on Wednesday, 13 March, between 6pm and 7pm. Reserve your place here: https://buytickets.at/fosterwalestorfaen/2192820
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit fosterwales.gov.wales