Local Success Stories

Foster Wales Carmarthenshire

Amy: Growing Up in a Foster Family

For Amy, growing up as the child of a foster carer has been a life-changing experience. Eight years ago, her family welcomed a little boy with complex learning needs into their home, and from that moment, fostering became a part of her everyday life.

“Friends often ask if I find it difficult and if I struggle sharing my parents with him, but I couldn’t imagine not being part of a foster family. After eight years, he’s just another brother to me! If anything, he brought our family together and made us closer.” Amy reflects.

Amy and her family have embraced the challenges and joys of fostering, and her bond with her foster brother has become unbreakable. The house feels noticeably quieter when he’s not there, and they eagerly await his return.

One of the most rewarding aspects for Amy is seeing the positive impact her family’s support has on not just her foster brother, but his entire birth family.

“We’re in touch with his family, and he has regular contact with them, which is so nice and it’s so rewarding knowing you’re helping and supporting not just one person but a whole other family.”

Amy’s foster brother, with his joyful personality and cheeky grin, has brightened their lives in countless ways.

“He’s the happiest and cheekiest little thing and could put a smile on anyone’s face, no matter how hard a day you’ve had at work, school, or even during a global pandemic! He gives us a reason to get ourselves up and out and keep busy with fun activities!”

Fostering has left such a lasting impression on Amy that she’s already considering it for her own future.

“If I had the opportunity when I moved out, I would absolutely look into fostering myself!” she shares.

Amy’s story is a celebration of the unique role children of foster carers play, and how fostering can strengthen the bonds of a family, creating lifelong relationships and bringing incredible joy.

For more information about fostering with your local authority in Carmarthenshire, or to make an enquiry, contact us.

Brett and Wendy: Celebrating 30 Years of Fostering

Meet Brett and Wendy

Brett and Wendy have marked an incredible 30 years of dedication to fostering with Carmarthenshire County Council! Their fostering journey began in 1994, after moving to a rural part of Carmarthenshire from Gloucestershire in 1984 with their two young children.

Once their children were settled in local schools, Wendy, who had experience as a childminder and worked in a specialist school for children with disabilities, took their first step on their fostering journey – approaching the local authority about becoming foster carers, and they have never looked back!

Until recently, both Brett and Wendy also worked full-time while fostering. Wendy working in a school allowed her to be home during holidays, giving her time to care for their foster children and transport them and their grandchildren to local schools.

Brett and Wendy’s Family

One of Brett and Wendy’s greatest strengths as foster carers is their ability to welcome sibling groups into their home, helping to maintain the bonds between brothers and sisters.

“We’ve been lucky enough to be in a situation of being able to take sibling groups, which can be much better for the children in your care.” Wendy reflects.

Over the years, they have fostered 32 children, many of whom still keep in touch! In a heart-warming addition to their family, the couple adopted two brothers, aged 6 and 7 at the time, who are now in their thirties.

Their family dynamic grew further in 2008 when their daughter, Emma, and her family moved back to live with them. Brett and Wendy converted an old cowshed into a home for Emma, her husband Carwyn, and their two sons, creating a multi-generational household where the foster children became part of a wider family network. Both their grandchildren, now 18 and 15, have been instrumental in welcoming foster children into the home.

Wendy’s two brothers and their families live locally, and they too play a big role in fostering, offering support and providing a sense of belonging for the children.

Brett’s extended family in Gloucestershire also visits frequently, giving the children an even broader experience of family life.

Treating Every Child Like Family

Brett and Wendy are deeply passionate about making every child they care for feel like part of their family. They go above and beyond to include the children in all family activities – from holidays to day trips to everyday family gatherings. Their extended family’s involvement helps foster children feel supported and part of something bigger.

For the couple, fostering isn’t just about care, it’s about providing children with the opportunities to grow, flourish, and experience life to the fullest. Whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, or team sports, Brett and Wendy encourage the children in their care to try new activities and build their confidence.

The Importance of Staying Local

Brett and Wendy also highlight the importance of staying local. The dedicated support from the local authority has helped Brett and Wendy navigate the complexities of fostering and work towards the best outcomes for each child.

“We’ve found staying with our local authority important as we’ve had consistency with staff – some of whom have been there as long as us.

“They are committed to the support of the children in their care and finding them the best outcome to their situations.

“It makes our role easier when we have a team of people who we know are working in the best interests of the children in our care” Wendy shares.

Memorable Moments

Among their most memorable experiences is supporting a young person from the age of 11 through several significant life transitions.

“We recently supported a young person from the age of 11 through school, bereavement, college, moving into supported living, getting a job, and he has now moved into his own flat in the town of Carmarthen where he grew up.” Wendy reflects proudly.

Another fond memory is fostering siblings who have been with them for over three years now.

“They are very settled in school and are very much part of our family and have become a big part of our extended family.” Brett says.

They acknowledge that fostering isn’t without its challenges, but their approach – rooted in patience, love, and understanding – has helped children grow at their own pace.

Finding Joy in New Beginnings

Brett and Wendy have also fostered babies who have been adopted, and while it can be challenging to let go, they find it rewarding to know they’ve given the child a strong start in life. Their resilience and dedication are testaments to the deep connections they’ve built with the children who have passed through their doors.

Their legacy as foster carers is rooted in love, family, and community – a true success story that continues to shape the lives of children in Carmarthenshire.

Has Brett and Wendy’s Experience Inspired You to Think About Fostering?

If Brett and Wendy’s story has inspired you to consider fostering and providing care for children who need it, get in touch with us today. You could offer the love, support, and stability that can truly change a child’s life.

Emma’s journey from a fostering household to social work

For Emma, fostering isn’t just her job – it’s part of who she is. Growing up in a fostering household in Carmarthenshire, she saw first-hand the impact a safe, caring home can have on a child’s life. It’s this experience that inspired her to pursue a career in social work.

“I saw how important it was for children and young people to feel safe and cared for, especially when their world felt unsafe and unpredictable.”

Now, with 23 years of experience in children’s services and two years in the fostering recruitment team, Emma works to find and assess foster carers across Carmarthenshire. Her role goes beyond this – it’s about building a community that ensures children and young people can stay in the area they call home. Love transforms lives, and Emma sees it every day through the incredible work of our foster carers and through the smiling eyes of children.

“When children are fostered locally, they can stay in their schools, keep their friends, and remain close to the places and people they know. It’s about giving them stability and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for their development and wellbeing.”

Emma is passionate about the strong fostering community in Carmarthenshire, which she believes is vital for supporting carers and children alike.

“Foster carers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

“We have a wonderful fostering community. We hold events to bring everyone together, and our experienced mentors are always there to offer advice and share their knowledge.”

Cllr. Jane Tremlett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Children and Families emphasises the importance of local fostering:

“Keeping children and young people in their communities allows them to maintain vital connections with their schools, friends, and support networks. It’s about giving them the best possible chance to thrive in a familiar and loving environment.”

Emma also works to challenge misconceptions about fostering and social work.

“People often think social workers are there to judge… But our job is to help and work alongside foster carers to make sure we’re doing the best for the children and young people in our community.”

Supporting new foster carers is a key part of Emma’s role. The fostering team provides training and guidance to ensure every carer is fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of fostering.

“We want potential carers to make an informed decision, that’s why we guide them through training and offer support at every step. Fostering doesn’t just affect the carers themselves but their whole network, so we’re there to make the journey as smooth as possible.”

For Emma, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing children and young people thrive in foster care. Fostering is a powerful way to really make a difference.

“When children feel safe and supported, especially in their local community, they flourish. It’s incredible to see them happy, achieving their potential, and building a brighter future.”

Her advice for anyone in Carmarthenshire considering fostering is simple:

“Talk to us. We’re here to help you understand what fostering involves and to support you every step of the way. It’s a big step, but it’s one that can change a child’s life – and yours.”

Emma’s journey from growing up in a fostering household to her role as a social worker highlights the power of care and community. Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and fostering is one of the most powerful ways to help make that happen. Could you open your heart and home to help transform a child’s life?

To find out how you can make a difference by fostering in Carmarthenshire, visit Foster Wales Carmarthenshire. Or to make an enquiry, contact us.

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