Foster Care Fortnight 2025 celebrates the power of relationships

Foster Care Fortnight, the biggest fostering awareness campaign of the year, takes place between May 12th and May 25 this year, with this year’s theme celebrating the power of relationships.

Whether it’s the bond between a carer and a child, the relationship created with supportive social workers, or the friendships built with other foster carers in a community, strong relationships are the golden thread that run through all fostering stories.

In Wales, there are more than 7,000 children in care, but only 3,800 foster families. Foster Wales is aiming to recruit an additional 800 carers by 2028.

Foster Carer Gemma said: “We looked after a young person (9) she was with us for seven months with a plan for her to return home. We went through a lot of behavioural issues and found this particular young person very challenging.

“However, we worked very closely with mum and social worker and together we achieved a positive return home. I remember sitting in mum’s garden, on the day the young person returned home permanently, drinking tea and seeing how she and mum were interacting. A great feeling of achievement and satisfaction welled up inside.

“The memory of those very difficult times leading up to this day seemed pale in comparison. I remember specifically saying to myself this is why I foster.”

Darren Mutter Pembrokeshire’s Head of Children’s Services added: "As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we are reminded of the dedication of each foster carer in providing safety and stability to children in our care. There are many different ways you can support, and I urge those considering fostering to reach out and explore the numerous avenues through which they can make a difference in a young person's life."