Resilient Foster Care
Young People
At 31st March 2022 7,080 young people were ‘looked after’ in Wales (up 673 on 2018) and of these 4,915 lived with foster families.
(Source: Stats Wales)
All these young people are unique but are likely to have had some of the experiences that we have mentioned below. We mention these in order to help you decide as to whether fostering is right for you and your family. Please don’t be unduly put off by these circumstances because experience has shown us that despite a rocky start, with the right support, young people are able to overcome these difficulties and live better lives – something we hope to convey in our logo.
Young people in foster care often come from families where broken relationships, domestic violence, abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, and mental health difficulties are recurring features. This may have resulted in a long history of Social Services involvement that parents may not have cooperated fully with, if at all.
It is not surprising that young people from these backgrounds are disadvantaged in comparison with their peers who come from stable backgrounds where their welfare and development is prioritised.
Young people who live in dysfunctional families do not live well or grow well. This can show itself in their behaviours and they may have difficulties in school or other structured settings, not unusually arising from their low self-esteem.
They may have extreme moods ranging from being overly pleasing and happy but then very withdrawn and defiant. There can be ongoing problems with personal hygiene and soiling. They can have eating difficulties and be resistant to accepting a healthy diet.
It is not unknown for some young people to tell lies, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, and they may steal things that are not safeguarded. They may cause harm to themselves or family pets.
We imagine that these behaviours could be off putting to you but we feel it is important that people come into fostering with their eyes open.
