Posted on: Wednesday 17 May 2023
Lorna and Jason have discovered working full time and having children are not barriers to becoming full-time foster carers.
The couple, from Blaenavon, who have two children, say working in health and social care led them to becoming Local Authority foster carers in September 2021.
During their training, they were inspired to specialise in fostering sibling groups and since then have fostered two brothers.
Lorna, who works as a mental health and learning disability manager at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “Seeing the bond our children have has made us want to support other siblings and keep them together during difficult times.”
“We feel being able to provide a stable home alongside our children, who enjoy school and after-school activities, provides a great environment for other children to thrive in.”
“Our children have embraced fostering and treat the children in our care like their own siblings.”
Currently, Torfaen Council boasts 121 mainstream foster carers and aims to recruit more.
If children cannot be fostered with Local Authority carers, they may be fostered via other agencies. This often means they live outside of their local area, away from their school, family and friends, and are less likely to be able to live with their siblings.
Jason, who works as support worker with people with disabilities, added: “For us it's about providing as much normality, love and care as possible whether it’s for a few weeks or a few years. We hope we can continue to foster and support many more children in the years to come.”
Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families & Education at Torfaen Council, said: “The council recognises the significance of keeping fostered children within the local community, whenever possible.
Child placements with Local Authority foster carers continues to play a vital role in maintaining this crucial sense of continuity and belonging.”
Sadly, the demand for foster families remains high in Wales, with an estimated requirement of around 550 foster families each year to accommodate children and young people in need of safe and loving homes.
For more information on fostering or to explore becoming a foster carer, visit: Foster Wales Torfaen