Kinship foster care is all about love, family and stepping forward when children need it most. It happens when a child is cared for by relatives or close family friends, offering them stability and a safe place to belong. For some, that journey leads to special guardianship, which provides children with the security of growing up with those who already know and love them.
This week is Kinship Care Week and we want to celebrate the families who take on this role with so much heart.
Bradley and Dilys are one of those families. For the past three years, they have opened their home and hearts to their grandson. Today, they are his special guardians, and this is their story in their own words.
a path we didn’t expect
We never imagined life would take us here. Becoming special guardians wasn’t something we ever thought about, but when the time came, it felt like the most natural step. We had already been fostering our grandson, and moving into special guardianship gave all of us a sense of security for the future.
facing the unknown
At the start, it was daunting. Like many, we had our own ideas about what it might mean to be under social services. It felt overwhelming, and we worried what friends and family might think. Would people judge? Would they understand?
What we quickly discovered was that none of that mattered. Everyone cared about us and our grandson. They wanted to know how we were doing, not the details. And when it came to social services, the fear soon faded. We built relationships with people who genuinely wanted the best for our family, and that support made all the difference.
learning and growing together
Over time, things began to feel easier. Knowing there was always someone at the end of the phone reassured us as we found our feet. Little by little, we grew more confident in making decisions and stepping into our new role.
By the time the Special Guardianship Order was granted, we were ready. The paperwork was done, the pressure eased, and life became calmer. We settled into a new kind of normal, one that was filled with the comfort of routine and the joy of family life.
the joy in the everyday
The very best part of this journey has been the little moments. Hearing “good morning” shouted up the stairs, or being wrapped up in surprise hug attacks, makes every challenge worth it.
We may not have expected to be raising a child again at this stage in our lives, but it has brought us laughter, love and a new sense of purpose. In many ways, it keeps us young.
our advice to others
If you are just starting out on this path, we know it can feel overwhelming. But you are not alone. There is support around you, and other families walking the same road. Take it one step at a time, set clear boundaries early, and keep records of the important things. Most of all, remember that it is love, care and stability that matter most.
Becoming special guardians has changed our lives in ways we never expected, but it is a journey we are thankful for every single day.
This Kinship Care Week, we celebrate families like Bradley and Dilys who step forward with love and commitment, and who make such a difference in the lives of children in Flintshire.
could you make a difference and foster with your local authority in Flintshire?
If you live in Flintshire, contact Foster Wales Flintshire and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch for a friendly, no obligation conversation to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you live anywhere else in Wales, visit Foster Wales for more information and to find your Flintshire fostering team.
