Pembrokeshire foster carers share powerful ‘breakthrough’ moments as part of Foster Care Fortnight

Children who have experienced trauma often develop ways of protecting themselves. This might include behaviour such as anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions or difficulty following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found around 80% of carers surveyed have supported children who displayed behaviour like this. While these challenges can be tough, half of foster carers surveyed also said they noticed a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

Foster carers shared that these breakthrough moments were often centred around small moments of connection, but they represent more than that: for children in care, it means they have made progress, they have started to feel safe, they have started to heal, to feel loved and to feel supported following childhood trauma.

After experience, support and professional guidance, almost all carers (93%) said they are now confident responding to trauma‑related behaviour.

Pembrokeshire foster carer Lynda, who has been fostering for just over a year, shared her experiences as part of the Foster Wales survey.

She said: “In the beginning, I struggled with my confidence. The child pushed boundaries constantly, fought every option and often wasn’t living in reality. It was difficult to know whether what I was doing was making any difference at all.

“I made it clear through my actions that no matter what happened, I would always be there for them. I praised positive behaviour, set clear boundaries and stuck to them, always explaining why those boundaries were there, particularly around safety. I learned to wait until we were both calm before talking things through.

“The moment that really showed me things were beginning to change was when she opened up about her past and the trauma she had been through. We cried together and hugged. That was the moment I knew she felt safe enough to trust me.

“When you realise you’ve made that connection, it’s the best feeling in the world. Every child wants to feel loved and safe, and once that starts to happen, the rewards are huge.”

The survey findings were released ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which takes place every May. This year’s theme, This is Fostering, shines a spotlight on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children feel safe.

In response to the survey, Pembrokeshire County Council Head of Children's Services Chris Frey-Davies said: “Foster carers across Pembrokeshire provide stability, care and understanding to children who have often experienced difficult and traumatic circumstances.

“This survey highlights the importance of local support, training and guidance in helping carers respond confidently to children’s needs over time. The breakthrough moments described by carers, while often small, show that children are beginning to feel safe and supported.

“At Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, we remain committed to supporting our foster carers throughout their fostering journey, ensuring they have access to the help they need to make a lasting difference.”

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit fosterwales.gov.wales.

This Foster Care Fortnight, you can meet your local Foster Wales team at:

Tenby Leisure Centre, May 11, 11am-5pm;

Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, May 12, 10.30am-1pm;

Haverfordwest Library, May 12, 3pm-4.30pm;

Milford Haven Library, May 14, 10am-1pm;

Milford Haven Leisure Centre, May 14, 3pm-6pm;

Tenby Leisure Centre, May 18, 11am-5pm;

Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, May 21, 10.30am-2pm;

Fun in the Park, Pembroke Dock Memorial Park, 11am-7pm.