Posted on: Friday 15 May 2026
Three fostering families have received special recognition awards for the work they do to improve the lives of children in their care.
They were joined by more than 40 foster carers at an appreciation lunch at The Olive Tree, in Cwmbran, on Wednesday, as part of celebrations to mark Foster Care Fortnight.
Alison and Patrick, a couple from Cwmbran, received the award with nominations stating that they are "two truly outstanding foster carers who somehow manage to be calm, kind, organised, and endlessly supportive all at the same time".
They have cared for more than 80 children since becoming approved foster carers in 2010.
Through their work, they have provided many respite and day care placements and have helped more than 10 children move on to adoptive placements.
Patrick said: “We have loved every moment. For every child we want better outcomes. We love to see the children thrive and leave us in a better place.”
Caroline, a foster carer from Cwmbran, received the award with nominations stating that she has "demonstrated unwavering devotion, compassion and genuine love for the children in her care".
Caroline has cared for 21 children since becoming a foster carer in 2016.
Ashleigh, a carer from Blaenavon, collected the award with nominations stating that her "therapeutic approach has had so much positive impact on children's lives".
She has been a foster carer since 2018 and recently became a MyST Therapeutic Foster Carer. In that time, she has provided foster placements for 24 children and has supported other carers by delivering training for the local authority.
On the day, foster carers Helen and Gary also received a long service award in recognition of more than 10 years of being foster carers.
Jason O’Brien, Strategic Director stated: “I would like to thank all our foster carers for the incredible work they do all year round to support vulnerable children across Torfaen.
"I’d also like to give special thanks to those who received the awards this year. They truly go above and beyond, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, building their confidence, and helping them to grow and thrive.”
As part of the Foster Care Fortnight, the Foster Wales Torfaen team have also been travelling the borough to deliver bouquets of flowers to households who were unable to make the lunch.
An online recruitment event is taking place on the Foster Wales Torfaen Facebook page on Tuesday 19 May, 6pm - 7pm, for anyone interested in fostering with the local authority. Simply follow the page to join the discussion.