The foster carers leaving for their trip to the zoo
The families, including fostered children and the foster carers’ own children, visited Chester Zoo to see the animals and see Santa in his grotto.
With over 100 local children living in foster care over the festive period, Flintshire County Council’s fostering team organised the trip for the whole family to enjoy. The Council also gives foster carers an additional Christmas allowance to make Christmas special for the children.
Kim and Rob Jones are one foster family who are setting extra places for Christmas dinner this year. They said: “It was a lovely day. It’s such a nice atmosphere at the zoo. It was cold but everyone was wrapped up well and all the foster carers were talking to each other and meeting new faces.
“The children loved meeting Father Christmas and they all got a present but they didn’t open it until they got home. Some of the children hadn’t been to the zoo before, so they loved seeing the animals, especially the baby monkeys who were learning to climb.
“The children are really looking forward to Christmas. They were asking what crackers were. We have a big Christmas planned and the children will join in Christmas with our whole family. Everyone has presents for the children. We never leave anyone out.”
The foster carers also enjoyed their own Christmas party at Northop Hall County House Hotel last week, as part of Flintshire’s foster carer support group.
More foster carers are needed in Flintshire for all ages of children. For more information visit www.flintshire.gov.uk/foster
