Children can really thrive in the safe, stable environment of a loving foster home, but we are currently facing a crisis in the care system because too few people in Wales are becoming foster parents.

Many older foster parents are retiring at a time when unprecedented numbers of children and young people are coming into care.

There are lots of reasons why fewer people are coming forward to foster. Post Covid we have seen people turn spare bedrooms into home offices and we are seeing young people living with their parents for longer. The cost-of-living crisis has also had an impact on people’s decision making.

There are also many myths surrounding fostering, with people ruling themselves out because they think they are too old, or their circumstances are not right. Whether you are single, married, part of the LBTQ+ community, renting, or own your own home you can foster.

If you are over 21, have a spare room and feel you could offer a child a stable home then we ask you to consider whether you could foster a child either for short breaks or long term. Children in care come from all backgrounds, we are looking for potential foster parents from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

We know it is a big decision, but with more children entering the care system each year, there’s no time to wait. Your skills and care could change a child’s life, and we will support you every step of the way with extensive training and a financial package.

The perfect time to foster a child doesn’t exist, but the right time is now. Please get in touch with us to find out more, visit barnardos.org/foster.