Posted on: Monday 27 April 2026
A Pontypool couple who have spent more than a decade fostering teenagers are encouraging others to consider opening their homes to older children.
It comes as the need for teenage foster carers continues to rise across Wales.
Ellen and Paul were approved as foster carers in 2014 and have since provided care for 17 children, the majority of whom were teenagers.
Over the years, they have taken on both long term and respite care, and are currently looking after two teenagers.
In a recent blog shared on the Foster Wales Torfaen website, the couple explain why fostering teenagers works for them and why more people should consider it.
Ellen, said: “We were looking for something different, saw the adverts for fostering and decided to give it a go. We both wanted to keep working, so teenagers suited us well.
“Having raised five children of our own also meant we had a good understanding of what teenagers need.”
Paul added: “When a teenager first comes to stay with us, they often feel let down. They can be vulnerable, frightened and in a really difficult place.
“But what they need most is a safe home and some stability and being able to offer that is incredibly meaningful.”
Across Torfaen, nearly half of all children in care are aged between 11 and 18, yet many teenagers are placed in residential settings or with independent fostering agencies outside their local area due to a shortage of foster carers.
Jason O’Brien, Strategic Director for Children and Family Services at Torfaen Council, said: “Ellen and Paul’s dedication over the years has had a lasting impact on so many young lives, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support they continue to provide.
“Teenagers are one of the most under‑represented groups in foster care, and too many are still being placed in residential care or outside the county.
“In Torfaen, this can mean young people are placed away from their schools, friends and communities, causing further disruption at an already challenging time. Increasing the number of local foster carers helps young people stay connected to the people and places that matter most.”
To read Ellen and Paul’s full story, visit the Foster Wales Torfaen website.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can contact the local authority fostering team by emailing fosterwalestorfaen@torfaen.gov.uk or calling 01495 766669.