FOSTER carers are encouraging others to consider fostering a child and create lasting connections on the Isle of Anglesey.
Foster Care Fortnight, the biggest fostering awareness campaign of the year, takes place between May 12 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 2026.
Ian Owen recently shared his story of the lasting relationships he’s formed as a result of fostering with Foster Wales Anglesey, since 1996.
Most recently, Ian has been caring for three young people in their teens, one of which has gone to University, and according to Ian, that makes it all the more rewarding.
Ian explained: “After being through so much with some of them, the relationships that I have formed with some of the young people are similar to a bond between a father and his son or daughter.
“I don’t think of this house as a foster home, it’s their home and my door is always open for them, even when they’re adults and have moved on.
“Fostering isn’t something just for me as a foster carer – the whole family is part of it, and the family has grown over the years through fostering.”
“Going to college or university, forming stable relationships, having children of their own and being happy with their lives are some of those things that I never imagined some of these young people would ever get to experience when I first met them.”
“It’s really rewarding to see the end result.”
Fôn Roberts, Head of Children and Families Service and Director of Social Services, said: “Foster carers like Ian make a difference every day for local children and young people. This year’s theme celebrates these meaningful connections that can transform lives.
“Each child is an individual with unique needs. Our foster carers are unique too, and our role is to work together to help them thrive, supporting their growth and development with every step.”
Anglesey’s Children, Young People and Families portfolio holder, Councillor Dyfed Wyn Jones, added: “When you foster with the local authority – the child’s social worker, fostering staff and foster carers are all part of the same organisation – we’re a whole team around you, supporting you.
“These relationships are at the heart of foster care and I’m proud of our fostering community, here on Anglesey.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Anglesey visit the Fostering in Anglesey webpage.
Meet your local Foster Wales team at:
- 12.05.25 – Drop-in, Market Hall Holyhead Library (10.30am-1pm)
- 15.05.25 – Drop-in, Coleg Menai Llandrillo, Llangefni (11am-1pm)
- 21.05.25 – Drop-in, Ysbyty Gwynedd with Foster Wales Gwynedd (11.30am-2.30pm)
- 22.05.25 – Virtual drop-in via Teams (12pm-1pm). Sign up by clicking here
- 01.06.25 – Gosh Fest, Premier Inn Holyhead
To read Ian’s full story, click here.
