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Nina Kemp Jones, my journey as a social worker

From a young age, I always had a keen interest in human relationships and the psychology behind them. This curiosity, combined with a strong sense of social justice and equality, set me on a path that would eventually lead to a career in social work.

My journey began 25 years ago, in 1999, when I qualified as a social worker through the Open University whilst working as a trainee for a local authority.

I wanted to help vulnerable people to improve their lives through empowering them and providing them with protection when they needed it.

I suppose I wanted to make the world a better place. Maybe in an unconscious way, my own experiences of being adopted played a part, although not consciously at first.

crossing the threshold: how I became a social worker

My early days were spent in Blaenau Gwent, where I transitioned from a trainee to a qualified social worker working in youth offending and then child protection. That gave me a really good insight into the role of a social worker and what happens on a daily basis, including the challenges and rewards.

This period was marked by significant learning and growth, as I navigated the complexities of social work. One of my greatest inspirations was a practice teacher who had a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful energy. Her dedication to working directly with children and families left a lasting impression on me.

trials and tribulations: disadvantages of being a social worker

Balancing work and studies was challenging, especially with a young child at home. My daughter was just three or four years old when I embarked on my social work training. Becoming a mother added another layer to my understanding of protection and the importance of a safe environment.

I remember when I first qualified, getting my own caseload, doing my ‘firsts’ of everything. First child protection visits, first review, first child protection conference, first report for court, and feeling ‘I’m supposed to know what I’m doing here!’.

But I was keen to continue my own professional development, to research, find things out, and gain the invaluable experience you get from working with families, children, and young people.


Despite the challenges, I was determined to pursue a career that was not just a job, but a calling, and to make a positive impact. Thankfully, I had a supportive team around me offering guidance, strong management and leadership.

the road of trials

As I progressed in my career, I faced numerous trials. From working in child protection to conducting parenting and risk assessments with Action for Children, each role brought its own set of challenges.

I remember vividly the emotional toll of dealing with families in crisis and the importance of self-care to maintain my own well-being.

I’m still a big advocate for self-care now.

Some of the most difficult moments were those when the outcomes for children were not as I had hoped. These experiences were emotionally draining but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for the best interests of the children.

Beyond dealing with the emotional side of things, another challenging aspect of social work is dealing with the administrative demands of the job. The paperwork, court dates, and the need to be adaptable and flexible are constant pressures that have to be managed.

the reward: benefits of being a social worker

Throughout my journey, I met many individuals who inspired and guided me. It’s why I loved being a social worker, and I now have lots of stories of children, young people, and families that touched my life and my heart.

I’ve met some wonderful foster carers who go above and beyond for the children. They have kept in touch with children, even after they’ve left their home, walked children down the aisle, and are now like grandparents to the children’s children.

I’ve met foster carers who have stuck with a child through thick and thin no matter what.

the teens

Working with teenagers, in particular, was a highlight.

Teenagers always used to strike a chord with me; unpacking the life they’ve had and why they were where they are now. Trying to help them and empower them to help themselves as well.

I always feel that teenagers get a bad rap. They’ve had struggles, they’ve had challenges. There’s so much that we can offer to teenagers and that they can offer to you as well. Teenagers are funny, they like helping and they often haven’t had these experiences. They’re crying out for them.

With a support network around them, they have a chance of moving forward in their lives in a positive way. They can have positive relationships, with their own children as well, so as to not have those cycles repeated. If somebody didn’t help them at that point, they could go down a very different path.

Another group I’ve worked with is young refugees and asylum seekers. They are amazing. With everything they’ve been through on their journey to this country, they have a passion for education, often love football, and have shown a kindness to others. Seeing them overcome their challenges and move towards a brighter future is incredibly fulfilling.

the road back: what do I do now?

In my current role, as Regional Development Manager with Foster Wales, I continue to strive for better outcomes for children in foster care.

The biggest challenge remains the shortage of foster carers, but I am committed to working in innovative ways with the community and colleagues to recruit more foster carers.

When meeting with a single foster carer recently, who was caring for a teenage girl, I was reminded that the right fit is key. They’ve got that. They will sit and watch a film together. They talk. They cook. She’s in education. They’re getting on great.

The goal is to provide a stable, nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. But without a big enough pool of foster carers, how are you going to make sure that each individual child has that right fit?

Read more: How do you become a foster carer?

Reflecting on my journey, there are so many stories of the children and families I have worked with that continue to inspire me and fuel my passion for social justice.

Today, as part of Foster Wales, I am on a quest to ensure that every child in foster care and every foster carer receives the best possible support.

There’s always going to be those children who need to be in foster care. It’s about making that as good as we possibly can for children, young people, and for their foster carers.

I think we’ve got a real opportunity when children are in a safe, stable, nurturing environment to be able to affect change and for that young person’s future to be different. By working with dedicated foster carers who are resilient, well supported, have learning and development opportunities, and by advocating for trauma-informed practices, we can create a brighter future for these children.

Foster Wales, as a community, can have a voice in improving the lives and outcomes for children that come into foster care.


After all, as Whitney Houston once sang, ‘children are our future’.

what’s next?

My journey is far from over, I am proud of the impact I have made and remain committed to this vital work.

If you would like to learn more about fostering or how to start a career in social care, I am always happy to help. Alternatively, find your local authority team and reach out for a chat.

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Nina Kemp Jones

I’m Nina and I’m the Regional Development Manager for Foster Wales.

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