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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, 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.

A foster carer from Neath Port Talbot who was one of the 120 carers who responded to the Foster Wales survey, said: “When I first started fostering, I’d rate my confidence as only a 2 out of 5. Over time, that’s grown to about a 4 out of 5, thanks to specialised training and working closely with play therapists. I’ve also adapted my home to be a low-stimulation space, things like dimmed lighting and keeping routines calm and predictable which really helps children regulate their emotions, especially after school.

“I honestly see my Social Worker as my backbone. Having a strong partnership with them, as well as with the local authority and the school, makes all the difference. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, sometimes it takes a year or more of consistency, but that long-term commitment really does lead to life-changing breakthroughs.”

Councillor Sian Harris, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children & Families, said: “Here at Foster Wales Neath Port Talbot, 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. 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.” 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit https://npt.fosterwales.gov.wales/