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Wales is in the process of a whole system change for children’s services.

The changes proposed in the 2021 co-operation agreement between Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru prioritise services that are locally based, locally designed, and locally accountable.

Within these plans there is a clear commitment to ‘eliminate private profit from the care of looked after children.’ This means, by 2027, care of children that are looked after in Wales will be provided by public sector, charitable or not-for-profit organisations.

In light of these changes, Foster Wales Neath Port Talbot – which is part of the network representing Wales’ 22 local authorities - are calling for more people to become local authority foster carers and encouraging those currently fostering with a for-profit agency to transfer over to their local authority team.

Kath, a foster carer with Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “About six years ago I reached out to my Local Authority. After many discussions, the benefits to the young people being placed within their own borough became evident.

“Changing schools or long commutes would not be necessary, the young person would have a much better chance of maintaining friendship groups and continuing to engage in activities within their local communities and much more importantly family time would be easier to manage.

“Overtime I have realised an added bonus is building up relationships with social workers from various teams.”

In Wales, 79% of children cared for by private fostering agencies are fostered outside their local area, and 6% are moved out of Wales entirely. Meanwhile, 84% of those living with local authority foster carers stay within their own local area, close to home, to school, to family and friends.

Councillor Sian Harris, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services, said:

“Becoming a foster carer with a local authority has lots of benefits. We provide support from an experienced team, a comprehensive training plan, and offer a sense of belonging to a community. Most importantly, it lets young people stay close to their homes.

“Our local communities play a big role in making this happen. If you're interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, I’d encourage you to get in touch with our fostering team today.

“As a council, we are committed to giving every child the best start in life so they can reach their full potential.”

For more information about fostering, and how to transfer, visit: https://npt.fosterwales.gov.wales/