A single mother who dedicates her time to looking after foster babies, as well as her own family, is encouraging others to consider doing the same.
Helen Bond from Hirwaun in the Cynon Valley has a family of three of her own and has fostered babies for almost seven years. She decided to become a foster carer because her own mother fostered children – and Helen’s father grew up in foster care.
“I didn’t know I could foster as a single parent but one of the mums at school started fostering as a single mum so I decided to go for it. You have to go into it with an open mind as it takes up a lot of your time, but it is very rewarding,” she said.
During national Foster Care Fortnight (May 16-29), Helen is encouraging others to consider fostering children of all ages, saying: “I have fostered nine children and I’m looking after a small baby now. It is a really enjoyable and rewarding job.
“It is a culture shock in the beginning and you have to keep the knowledge that you are only ‘borrowing them’ for a short time. Having a baby in the house is more natural and less confrontational for my own children.”
Helen receives payment for being a foster parent and is still able to claim income support and help with her rent and Council Tax, which gives her some financial stability.
The mum to two teenage daughters formed such a special bond with one little boy in her care that, when his adoption fell through, she adopted him herself three and half years ago.
Helen said: “He came through the door when he was two and a half and said ‘I’m home’.”
In Rhondda Cynon Taf, there are currently more than 500 children in care and the need for foster carers is greater than ever.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Foster Care Service is continually looking for people to join its team of professional, dedicated foster carers, who earn a living by opening their homes and lives to children and young people.
The Council’s policy is that children and young people should remain with their parents where it is safe, and they proactively support families wherever possible. But when this isn’t possible the Council aims to provide placements that can provide a child with stability and a sense of security.
Cllr Annette Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities, explained: “Foster caring is a demanding but hugely rewarding career, welcoming people who have different backgrounds and experiences but who share the same commitment to ensuring children’s potential is fulfilled.
“With such a variety of foster care schemes available, from short term, long term and respite placements, we will work closely to find a scheme suitable to both the carer and the young person alike.”
All carers receive professional support and training including first aid, child protection and fire safety, with the chance to secure formal qualifications in childcare. There are generous fees and allowances, and incentives such as free leisure access for all the family.
Potential carers don’t need to own their own property, but will need a spare bedroom. Many people who become foster carers do not have children of their own. They will also have access to support 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a social worker allocated to both the carer and child alike.
To find out more about how to become a foster carer, please contact the Council’s Fostering Team on 0800 085 26 35
