Foster carers in Ceredigion 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.
A foster carer from Ceredigion, one of 120 foster carers who responded to the Foster Wales survey, said: “I’ve learned that fostering is so much more than ‘babysitting’. Advocating for the child and understanding that the behaviour isn’t directed at you makes a real difference.”
Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Through Age Wellbeing, said: “Foster carers in Ceredigion play a vital role in providing safe, stable and nurturing homes for children who need them most. The ‘breakthrough’ moments described by carers show the real difference fostering makes – helping children to feel secure, build trust and begin to heal. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our foster carers and would encourage anyone who is considering fostering to get in touch and find out more about the support available.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit Fostering in Wales | Foster Wales
This Foster Care Fortnight, you can meet your local Foster Wales team at: Farmers Market, Guild Hall, Cardigan SA43 1JL, Friday 15 May, 10:00-14:00
11/05/2026