Foster carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf share ‘breakthrough’ moments for Foster Care Fortnight.
The first time a child laughs, opens up about their day, asks to watch a film; these are moments that many might take for granted, but for foster carers in Wales, they symbolise one thing, a breakthrough.
Children who have experienced trauma often develop ways of protecting themselves. This might include behaviour such as anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions or difficulty following rules.
A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found around 80% of carers surveyed have supported children who displayed behaviour like this. While these challenges can be tough, half of foster carers surveyed also said they noticed a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.
Foster carers shared that these breakthrough moments were often centred around small moments of connection, but they represent more than that: for children in care, it means they have made progress, they have started to feel safe, they have started to heal, to feel loved and to feel supported following childhood trauma.
After experience, support and professional guidance, almost all carers (93%) said they are now confident responding to trauma‑related behaviour.
The findings are released ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which takes place every May. This year’s theme, This is Fostering, shines a spotlight on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children feel safe.
Katie Bounds from Rhondda Cynon Taf is one of 120 foster carers who responded to the Foster Wales survey.
Katie has been fostering for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to handling different situations and behaviours.
“School has been a big challenge as it isn’t suited for all children and doesn’t necessarily meet their best abilities. Our children hate bedtimes as they know what’s coming the next day and then may refuse to get up. Getting them dressed and leaving through the door is a massive task and emotionally draining for all parties.
To help them feel safe and reassured we do our best to show patience, understanding and also comfort. They need to know it’s normal to have negative feelings about school. Communication with the school and ensuring they keep helping and their teachers are able to give them support is important. We give them little things to look forward to if they manage a day/week etc, and we stick to boundaries.
During the harder moments of fostering, what’s kept us motivated is seeing the difference we make to their lives. The achievements they get at school have been a brilliant way to celebrate with them and grow their confidence. The biggest thing that has grown our own confidence is having such an amazing support system around us.”
Cllr Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Foster Care, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for us to celebrate the incredible men and women across our county borough who provide the very best of local care for local children.
“It also allows us the chance to highlight the importance of Foster Care and encourage even more people in Rhondda Cynon Taf to consider fostering – or at least find out more about the many different ways in which they can get involved!
“For Foster Care Fortnight 2026, Foster Wales RCT carers have been sharing the breakthrough moments they have shared with a child or young person in their care. This could be a shared giggle at a joke, an after-school chat over a snack at the kitchen table or accepting the invitation to join family film night. These little moments in time that offer a glimmer of connection and the possibility of a breakthrough with the child or young person they are caring for. These little interactions that remind them once again just how much fostering – and being a carer – matters.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit fosterwales.gov.wales.
This Foster Care Fortnight, you can meet your local Foster Wales team at:
- Pontypridd Parkrun, Saturday 16th May, 9am
- Abercynon Library, Tuesday 19th May, 2-5pm
- Aberdare Festival, Saturday 23rd May, 11-5pm
Posted on 12/05/2026