Bethany Jenkins AM Champions Foster Families in Swansea

June 08, 2010

During this year’s Foster Care Fortnight (May 17 – 30), Bethan Jenkins AM South Wales and West, championed the role of foster carers following a visit to local foster care agency, Foster Care Associates (FCA) Cymru, last week (28/5/10).

The visit, which took place at FCA’s offices in Swansea provided opportunity for staff, foster carers and care leavers at FCA to share their fostering experiences, as part of the UK’s leading Independent Foster Care Agency. Bethan Jenkins expressed interest in the level of support foster carers received as well as the Team Parenting™ model of practice delivered by FCA. Poems and artwork created by foster children were also presented, evidencing the huge amount of raw talent surrounding these youngsters.

Praising the efforts of FCA and its foster families, Bethan said: “Understanding the positive impact that agencies such as FCA can bring to the local community is critical in helping to raise standards of foster care.

“I am extremely impressed by the high standards of care demonstrated by FCA foster families who continue to provide unswerving commitment to foster children, despite the many challenges they may face. They are a credit to FCA and the quality ethos the organisation upholds.”

Learning and development manager at FCA Cymru, Rob Jewell, commented: “The visit by Bethan Jenkins represents an important step forward in helping politicians understand the deeper issues faced by the fostering sector in Wales.

“As a leading provider of fostering services, we believe we have a responsibility to work in partnership with local authorities and government organisations to help bring about positive change to the benefit of children and young people in care.”

FCA Cymru employs a multi-disciplinary team to ensure its pool of foster carers are properly supported to provide the best possible outcomes for children and young people who find themselves living in the care system.

Established some 12 years ago, FCA Cymru now boasts a network of five offices throughout the region, including a regional headquarters in Swansea as well as area offices in Cardiff, Builth Wells, Aberdare and Newtown.

Foster in Wales with FCA

Within Wales there is a current shortfall of 750 foster carers and, across the UK the total shortage of foster carers is 10,000. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about fostering should call FCA national freephone 0800 023 4561 or enquire online.

Foster Care Associates Limited, Registered Company in England and Wales

Registered Office: Malvern View, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4AD

Company Registration Number: 04322806

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