common question

what is fostering?

what is fostering?

Fostering means accepting a child as part of your family when they have to be away from their own. It could be for a night, a month, a year or several years. At the heart of all fostering is a dedication to make a difference – to change the course of a child’s life.

Foster carers mean a fresh start and a new family, but this doesn’t mean erasing the past – the important bonds foster children have with their biological families are maintained, too. 

Preserving friendships, familiar places and everything that matters to the child is central to what we do. That’s why we will always prioritise keeping children in their local community, if it’s the right thing for them. 

As a local foster carer you have an important role: to make sure the child feels safe, supported and happy. Our role is to support you, in every way we can.

the typical foster family… doesn’t exist

We celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of our foster families. There’s no typical foster family – the truth is, fostering is about meeting the individual needs of each child in our care. Each child needs something different. That’s why, if you decide to become a foster carer your circumstances can’t be compared to anyone else’s. Your story is what matters most. 

Find out more about the different kinds of fostering.

together we can make a difference

start your journey

find out more about fostering

find your local foster wales team

As the national network of Local Authority fostering services across Wales, we're by your side wherever you are. Enter your postcode to find your local foster care team.

Please enter a postcode Sorry, we were unable to find a local authority near that postcode.