Posted on: Monday 13 October 2025
There are around 150 children in foster care in Torfaen, nearly half of whom are teenagers, aged between 13 and 17.
A lack of available local authority foster carers mean some teenagers in care have to move away to live with independent foster carers or residential providers.
Research shows being forced to move away at this critical stage of life can have a significant impact on teenagers’ mental and emotional well-being, as well as their education.
A campaign is now underway to recruit more local foster carers for teenagers so they can stay close to their schools and friends.
As well as pay and allowances, Foster Wales Torfaen offers a host of benefits including access to local support and fostering networks, and training and development.
But for many foster carers, helping teenagers find their path to a bright and successful future is the biggest attraction.
Rosemary, from Pontypool, has provided a wide range of fostering support, from long-term to respite care, and has welcomed over 40 children into her home, most of them teenagers.
Rosemary said: "Fostering teenagers can be very rewarding but sometimes challenging. Many of the teenagers that I have cared for still keep in touch, which is awesome. To see them grow into adults and have their own stable homes and own children is fantastic."
Pontypool foster carers Ellen and Paul were approved in 2014, and has offered placements to 18 children in that time. Ellen said:
“We wanted a new challenge and fostering felt right. Teenagers suited us as we both wanted to keep working—and having raised five of our own, we knew what to expect.
"It’s not always easy, but helping a young person turn their life around is incredibly rewarding. You can guide them toward independence through learning to drive, applying for jobs or finding a flat - giving them a sense of purpose.”
Foster carers for teenagers can come from all walks of life. Whether it’s respite care, short-term placements, or longer-term fostering, there are options to suit different family circumstances.
What matters most is the ability to provide a safe, supportive, and caring home.
Cllr Richard Clark, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “When people think about fostering, they often picture younger children, but teenagers also need love, guidance and support to achieve important milestones like passing exams and learning to drive.
“As a local authority foster carer, you’ll play a vital role in helping them to navigate these years, setting them up for a bright and successful future.”
If you think you could help a teenager foster their own story, visit: torfaen.fosterwales.gov.wales or contact the Placement Team on 01495 766669.