May marks Foster Care Fortnight (12 – 25 May 2025), a campaign led by the Fostering Network to raise awareness and celebrate the work of our amazing foster carers and the fostering services that support them.
In line with this year’s theme, The Power of Relationships, we have been chatting to Beth, a Social Worker in the Maethu Cymru Gwynedd team, about the relationships she has formed by being part of the fostering community in Gwynedd, and why relationships are at the heart of foster care.
how long have you been part of Maethu Cymru Gwynedd’s team?
I’ve been part of Maethu Cymru Gwynedd’s team since December 2024. After working in the field of social work with my local authority for many years, I went on to qualify as a Social Worker. Getting a job within the fostering team was my dream as I see fostering as a real opportunity to be part of a positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in our communities.
describe your role as a social worker in foster care…
I am a Social Worker within the Maethu Cymru Gwynedd team. I am responsible for supervising and supporting foster carers, providing guidance and advice to ensure they are able to meet the needs of the child or young person in their care. Within my role, I conduct supervision with the foster carers on a monthly basis which is an opportunity to reflect, ask how they are feeling and ensure they are working in line with legislation, fostering regulations and the child’s care plan. Supervision is an effective way to provide advice in a way that develops foster carers to enhance their therapeutic parenting skills.
Keeping in regular contact is essentially important within my role to ensure that our foster carers receive the support they need to be able to provide the best possible care for children and young people here in Gwynedd.
In addition to supporting our foster carers, I also assess prospective foster carers, which is a detailed and valuable process to ensure that every child joins a safe and loving home.
what is a social worker’s ‘normal day’ in foster care?
No two days are the same! It’s a very diverse job. One day, I’ll be out conducting supervision with foster carers, while the next, I’ll be in the office making phone calls, responding to and sending e-mails, assessing prospective foster carers and scheduling meetings. Being a reliable person is absolutely important in all aspects of this job, especially when supporting foster families both practically and emotionally during sensitive situations. I’ve often gone the extra mile when working with families going through difficult and challenging experiences, being flexible in supporting and providing support outside of normal working hours.
what do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about my job, without a doubt, is the strong professional relationships I have developed with our foster carers and their families. To see the development and progress, not only in the lives of the children they care for, but also in their personal development as foster carers, is something amazing. Being part of the fostering journey with our foster carers is an absolute privilege, and the love, care and dedication they give children is truly inspiring.
what is the importance of relationships in fostering?
Foster care is about much more than providing a safe place for a child to stay. It’s about building strong and healthy relationships with everyone involved in fostering, and is essential for the emotional well-being of our children and young people, and their future success.
how do you relax outside of work?
I relax by staying active in the gym and going for a walk. I also love going on holiday abroad or a weekend away. I have an endless list of places I want to go!
what advice do you have for someone considering fostering?
If you’re considering fostering, go for it and contact your local authority’s fostering team for an initial conversation. Fostering is flexible and you will be supported and encouraged every step of the way. By having that initial conversation, you’ll be one step closer to becoming part of a supportive community of foster carers in Wales who work together to create a better future for local children and young people.
could you foster with your local authority?
If you live in Gwynedd, please contact Maethu Cymru Gwynedd and a member of our dedicated team will get in touch with you for a friendly, no-obligation chat to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you live anywhere else in Wales, go to Foster Wales for more information and to find your local authority’s fostering team.
