Families are getting the support and break they need thanks to a special team of Foster Swansea carers.
The latest addition to the therapeutic fostering team are Sue and Dave Hutchings from Llansamlet in Swansea, who were approved as therapeutic foster carers in September.
Therapeutic foster carers have specialist support and training so they can look after children with complex needs because of their experiences of trauma caused through abuse and neglect.
They work alongside social workers, health and education teams to support youngsters to reach their potential and successfully move into independent living.
Dave says: “This is the kind of work I’ve always wanted to do. Before this I worked for three years with adults with mental health difficulties and my wife is also involved in care work with the local authority.
“Being a foster carer is immensely rewarding because you get to see the benefits for the child and their family coming through.
“I think anyone who is a foster carer will tell you it’s hard work but really enjoyable and the support you get from Foster Swansea is really first class. The training has been great and there is always someone available to you if you are looking for support.”
He said: “In these sorts of arrangements it’s important for the foster carers to develop a relationship with the child’s family, their parents and grandparents so we can work together to provide care and continuity for the child.”
Lynsey Hughes, Senior Practitioner with Foster Swansea, said: “Therapeutic foster carers do a fantastic job with young people who have complex emotional needs and require support from a range of services including social, educational and health services.
“The idea is that a specialist team of support, including a clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse and educational support staff work alongside foster carers and the young person in order to provide a full wrap around service
“Therapeutic foster carers are people who can stick with these young people and who are determined and committed to stabilising their lives.
“The six months to two years the youngsters are with them will be life changing.
“With intensive support, these children may be able to move back into their family home or live independently or become a permanent part of another family.”
Therapeutic foster carers will also receive a fostering allowance and an enhanced fostering fee equal to almost £24,000 per year.
On-going training and support from Swansea Council’s Foster Swansea team will also be available to foster carers.
There are almost 535 children looked after by Swansea Council and many of them need the support of foster carers, either full-time or part-time, to make the most of the opportunities available to them in their young lives.
Foster Swansea is dedicated to recruiting and supporting foster carers who can work on a full-time or part-time basis, providing support to young people and their families.
There are a range of fostering options available to eligible carers.
For more information about fostering, contact Foster Swansea on 01792 533200 or visit their website, www.fosterswansea.org
