Young people share the foster relationships that changed their lives

Young people with experience of being in care are sharing the meaningful relationships they developed through the fostering community that changed their lives for the better.

This Foster Care Fortnight, which takes place annually and falls between May 12 and May 25 in 2025, is celebrating the power of relationships.

Whether it’s the bond between a carer and a child, the relationship created with supportive social workers, or the friendships built with other foster carers in a community, strong relationships are the golden thread that run through all fostering stories.

In Wales, there are more than 7,000 children in care, but only 3,800 foster families. Foster Wales is aiming to recruit an additional 800 carers by 2028.

Kyle was just seven years old when, during the summer holidays, he needed emergency care with Foster Wales Flintshire.

In unfamiliar surroundings, he was unable to sleep one night so at about 3am his foster carer Gavin put a children’s film on for them to watch together, patiently keeping him company through a night of anxiety and worry.

Although he only stayed with Gavin for a few nights on that occasion, that simple act of kindness and comfort stayed with Kyle.

Ten years later, when Kyle was 17 and in need of emergency care, Gavin became his foster carer again with this short-term stay quickly becoming permanent.

Now aged 22, Kyle says he considers Gavin to be his dad and has thrived as part of an extended found family of foster “brothers and sisters”. With Gavin’s support, Kyle now lives independently and is in full time work on the IT service desk at the council. They live close, with Kyle visiting frequently.

Kyle said:

“When they go into this scenario, young people will be scared and will just think it's over for them, like I definitely did. I felt like there was no support, but there was.

“I don't call him dad, but whenever I talk about him I'm just like, yeah, he's my dad. He's there for any support, emotional, financial, just anything.”

Gavin said:

“I’m so impressed with Kyle and where he’s at given his start in life.

“The positive changes he’s made has put him where he is really. It’s the greatest satisfaction of fostering. When it works and they have the sort of life you’d want for yourself and they’re on that path. I don’t think it could be beaten.”

To watch the video about Gavin and Kyle, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW5depTX6G4&t=4s

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

http://www.fosterwales.gov.wales

Would you like to have a ‘Cuppa with a Carer’?

This is your chance to meet one-on-one with one of our experienced foster carers in a cosy café of your choice. To find out more about 'Cuppa with a Carer', please visit fosterwales.gov.wales/cuppa-with-a-carer/.

Meet the Foster Wales Flintshire team at Well Fest on Library Field, Wrexham Town Centre, Wrexham, LL11 1AU, on May 17th between 11 AM and 4 PM. 

Watch the video about Gavin and Kyle...