Foster carers in Flintshire share ‘breakthrough’ moments for Foster Care Fortnight

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.

Tom is using his experience of growing up in foster care to make a difference for children in Flintshire. Together with his young family, he provides short-term foster care, offering local children a stable home while helping them stay connected to their community.

He says:

“I’m a huge advocate that being in foster care shouldn’t hold young people back. It never stopped me from achieving my goals,”

Tom went on to complete his education and now works as a lecturer, something he attributes in part to being supported to stay in the same school while in foster care.

He added:

“Staying local made a massive difference. It gave me stability and helped me move forward.”

“We’ve found a way to make it work with our busy lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to give young people a sense of belonging and the chance to reach their potential.”

Senior Manager of Children's Services at Flintshire County Council Sarah Grant said:

“We are extremely proud of foster carers like Tom and their families. Fostering is about so much more than providing a safe place to stay. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and building strong, supportive relationships that help children and young people thrive.

Stories like Tom’s show just how important that stability can be, particularly when children are supported to remain connected to their local communities, schools and networks. These relationships play a vital role in their emotional wellbeing and future opportunities.

Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to celebrate those life-changing connections and to thank our dedicated fostering community here in Flintshire for the difference they make every day.”

To read more about Tom’s story, visit:

http://www.flintshire.fosterwales.gov.wales/why-staying-local-mattered-to-care-experienced-foster-carer-tom

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Flintshire, visit:

http://www.flintshire.fosterwales.gov.wales

In Wales, there are 7,200 children in care. Of these, 4,884 live with foster families — supported by 3,538 foster carers (Foster Wales).

Foster Wales is the national network of not‑for‑profit local authority fostering services in Wales.

About Foster Care Fortnight

• Foster Care Fortnight™ is The Fostering Network’s annual awareness campaign
• 2026 dates: 11–24 May
• Theme: This is Fostering
• #FCF26