"For us, it’s those moments when you know you’re helping keep families together and children close to home."

The first time a child laughs, opens up about their day, asks to watch a film; these are moments that many might take for granted, but for foster carers in Wales, they symbolise one thing, a breakthrough.

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.

The findings are released ahead of Foster Care Fortnight (May 11 to 24), 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.

Brian and Hilary have been fostering with their local authority in Anglesey for 14 years, supporting local families by offering short breaks that help children remain at home while giving families extra support when they need it most.

Brian said, “From the very first day we started fostering, we’ve always respected that children have their own families. We’ve been committed to working alongside those families and involving them as much as possible.

“We provide ongoing short breaks for families who need support from time to time. The children continue to live at home but come to stay with us when needed. We step up when we’re needed and step back when we’re not - and it works really well.”

He added, “Even in our retirement years, we’re still getting so much enjoyment out of fostering. It’s often the little moments that make it so special - knowing you’re helping to keep families together, supporting children to stay connected to their communities, and keeping them close to home. Seeing the children we support thrive, flourish and succeed at school is incredibly rewarding.”

Anglesey’s Director of Social Services, Fôn Roberts, said, “Here at Foster Wales Anglesey we are extremely proud of our foster carers. We are pleased to learn that foster carers are accessing the resources that are available to them, and these are having a positive impact on the children in their care when supporting complex issues like childhood trauma. At Foster Wales Anglesey we are committed to supporting our foster carers through the highs and the lows of fostering, and this survey shows just how important and valued that local support is.”

Go to the Foster Wales Anglesey website to find out more about becoming a foster carer in Anglesey.

Meet the team sessions

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

• Llangefni Library: 18 May (11am to 1pm)
• Amlwch Library: 20 May (10am to 12pm)
• ‘Megasparc’ Innovation and Maker Fair, Menai Science Park, Gaerwen: 21 May (1pm to 5pm)
• Holyhead Library: 22nd May (11am to 1pm)

Ends 11 May 2026

Notes to editors

In Wales, there are 7,200 children in care. Of these, 4,884 live with foster families - supported by 3,538 foster carers (Foster Wales).

About Foster Wales

Foster Wales is the national network of not‑for‑profit local authority fostering services in Wales.

About Foster Care Fortnight

• Foster Care Fortnight™ is The Fostering Network’s annual awareness campaign
• 2026 dates: 11 to 24 May
• Theme: This is Fostering
• #FCF26