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With people not able to see loved ones, schools being closed and lines of support difficult to access, communities across Wales have found other ways to support one another during these most testing of times. This is even more true for fostering families.

Many have used this difficult period as an opportunity to create an altogether more positive ‘new normal’ - not only in their lives but in the lives of local children. According to Foster Wales, over 350 families in Wales started fostering with their local authority during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Foster Care Fortnight (9-22 May,) Foster Wales wants to celebrate the difference that foster carers have made to children’s lives in Neath Port Talbot. From foster carers who have shown dedication over many years to those just starting their fostering journey to help give children a better future.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network. This year’s theme is 'fostering communities' and the campaign will focus on the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

It hopes to shine a light on the many ways people in the fostering community have supported each other during the Covid-19 pandemic – and to highlight the need for more dedicated foster carers.

Andrew Jarrett, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, said:

“The last two years have certainly been challenging but we’ve seen such compassion and selflessness from our foster carers in Neath Port Talbot and across Wales, who have opened their doors to children and given them a safe place during the Covid pandemic when the rest of the country were struggling to even see their own families.”

“Fostering has had to adapt to the strange circumstances we all found ourselves in and our foster carers really stepped up to provide outstanding care and support for children and families who needed them, and we want to say a big thank you and convey our appreciation for everything they've done.”

Neath Port Talbot is one of 22 local authority teams in Wales, working together as Foster Wales, a national network of not-for-profit fostering services.

Foster Wales wants to encourage more people to become foster carers for their local authority so that children can remain in their local area, close to their friends and family and remain in their school. This can help children and young people retain their sense of identity during an otherwise turbulent time.

Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales, the national network of local authority fostering services said:

“Most people don't realise that it's your local authority, your local council, who take care of children when their family are experiencing difficulties or when children are living with abusive and neglectful situations, and it’s your local authority who finds them a safe place and is responsible for them.

“There is a wealth of knowledge in the Foster Wales local authority fostering team and dedicated social workers who all work together with local families and local schools to build better futures for local children. 

“By fostering locally, you are helping children to stay in their community, with the surroundings, accent, school, language, friends and activities they know. It keeps them connected, builds stability and confidence.

“We'd encourage people not just to foster, but to foster with their local authority, which is part of Foster Wales, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the children in our care.”

To find out how you can foster in Neath Port Talbot, visit www.npt.fosterwales.gov.wales