This year we have joined together with local authorities across Gwent to create a whole host of social media content that recognises the vital work of our foster carers, which is particularly important during this hugely challenging time.
The challenge set out by the Fostering Network charity at the start of 2020 was to recruit a further 550 foster families over the course of the year. This remains the goal for local authority fostering teams who have diversified their existing practices to work towards the target.
The Blaenau Gwent Fostering Team have set up a whole host of virtual contact sessions with carers to check on their wellbeing and they have also supported carers to take a similar approach allowing children to maintain contact with their families.
Cllr. John Mason, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Social Services said:
“Our Foster Carers have performed exceptionally during the Coronavirus Pandemic, this is not an easy job but they have once again risen to the challenge and continued to provide vital support to some of the county’s most vulnerable children. We are so proud of each and every one of them and the Fostering Team who have diversified in order to continue to provide their service.
Caerphilly Foster Carer Alison Ward said:
“I am a therapeutic foster carer and have been for the past year, over the past few weeks my role has had to change to adapt to the current situation. Home schooling has proved a little challenging so we have started learning through play and that works for us and we are really enjoying it now and have settled into a lovely routine. We are dialling into a lot of virtual chats for support and we also have a virtual lunch weekly with the Myst Team.”
The team are still taking enquiries from those who have an interest in becoming a foster carer or would just like some advice about how to take the first step, please visit www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/fostering
You can support the Foster Care Fortnight 2020 campaign by following us on social media, find us on facebook @Blaenau Gwent CBC & twitter @blaenaugwentcbc.
#Thisisfostering