New research highlights expertise and support provided by social workers in Blaenau Gwent, in attempt to encourage more people to foster

With over 7,000 young people in care across Wales, the need for more Foster Carers is increasingly pressing.

There are currently 201 children in foster care in Blaenau Gwent, and 40 fostering households.

In January the national network of 22 Welsh local authority fostering teams, Foster Wales, launched a campaign to recruit an additional 800 foster families by 2026.

Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent joined the campaign, 'Bring Something to the Table,' to share realistic experiences from the fostering community to respond to common barriers to enquiries.

Some of these include a lack of confidence, misconceptions around criteria, and a belief that that fostering doesn't fit with certain lifestyles.

The latest phase of the campaign focuses on the role of foster care social workers and the 'support bubble' that exists around foster carers, to provide potential carers with:

1. Information andunderstanding around the social workers' role, and how the wider fostering community can support them.
2. Confidence and assurance that social workers are caring, pro-active experts who work hard to support both young people and foster carers.
3. Motivation to start the process to become a foster carer via a Local Authority.

In a recent public YouGov survey only 44% respondents said social work was well-respected and nearly two fifths (39%) of adults polled felt social work practitioners "often got things wrong." While only 11% of social workers currently believe social work is well-respected.

"Social work isn't a role you can do without having a passion for it and although it can be stressful it is also very rewarding. I really enjoy working with foster carers and seeing people grow on their fostering journey" - Sarah

The latest 'Bring something to the table' campaign is guided by a newly commissioned survey to better understand preconceptions and motivations of social workers. There were 309 respondents and key findings include:

• 78% social workers surveyed said they entered the profession to support and help families
• 18% foster carers said negative perceptions of social workers were because of News coverage
• 29% foster carers said before meeting a social worker they thought they would be 'people with heavy caseloads and lots of paperwork.'
• 27% social workers surveyed believe potential carers fear being judged by professionals

Sarah Nixon is a Placement Team social worker for Blaenau Gwent and has spent almost 3 years in the role. She reflected on what makes a great foster carer, and how Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent supports local foster carers.

"I've realised how important it is to have a social worker who takes time to observe, and get to know your family, and the children. It has helped me stay grounded and focused. All my children and young people are extremely comfortable with them and feel like they are being listened to and supported." - Local Foster Carer

In the research, foster carers highlighted the importance of close and long-lasting working relationships to support young people to overcome challenges. They were also keen to dispel myths about social workers and the support you receive, and paid tribute to the dedication of their social workers:

For more information about fostering, or to make an enquiry, visit:

https://fosterwales.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en