celebrating the children of foster carers

For Children of Foster Carers Week, we are shining a light on a very special group of young people – the children of our foster carers.

One of those young people is Yasmin, 21, daughter of Rachel and Andy, who are foster carers and Mockingbird hub carers here in Flintshire. Over the years, Yasmin has welcomed 16 children into her family home, each with their own story and their own needs. Her parents have been fostering for four years, and throughout that time Yasmin has played an important role in making children feel safe, included, and part of the family.

Yasmin knows first-hand what it means to grow up as part of a fostering household, and this week we’re sharing some of her thoughts and experiences. Her words show why the voices of children matter so much, and how fostering is always a journey the whole family takes together.

sharing home and family

Being the child of a foster carer means sharing your home, your parents, and sometimes even your favourite spot on the sofa. Children of foster carers are often the first to welcome a looked after child into the family, helping them settle and feel included.

Yasmin said…

“Sharing my home with foster children has been such a positive experience. I love being one of the first to welcome them, showing them around and helping them feel part of the family straight away even if that’s by just sitting with them or playing games”

bringing fun, friendship, and support

Many foster carers tell us that their own children have been central to their fostering journey. They bring energy, fun, and friendship. They’re often the ones who break the ice with games, make introductions at school, or simply sit and chat. Small acts of kindness from children of foster carers can make a huge difference.

Yasmin said…

“Some of my favourite memories are the days out we’ve had with the children and other foster families. Whether it’s trips to the park, the beach, or other organised fun days, it’s a chance to laugh together and make friends. My favourite trip was to West Midlands Safari Park! “

learning and growing together

Fostering isn’t always easy. It can take patience to share attention, and it can be emotional when children move on. But these experiences also teach resilience, empathy, and understanding, qualities that the children of our foster carers carry with them for life.

Yasmin told us…

“Being in a fostering family has really shaped who I am. I’ve learned to be more understanding and open-minded, and it’s shown me how important it is to be there for people when they need it most. Those are the lessons that will always stay with me”

quiet heroes of fostering

This week, we want to say a huge thank you to the wonderful children of our foster carers in Flintshire who are part of this journey. Fostering wouldn’t be the same without you.

Yasmin said…

“Being part of a fostering family has been life-changing. It’s filled our home with laughter, new friendships, and so much love. I feel proud to have shared that journey and to know we’ve made a difference in children’s lives”

Parents of Yasmin, Rachel and Andy said…

“As a family, one of our first priorities was to talk openly about fostering and to listen to our children’s thoughts and feelings. We knew it needed to be the right time for all of us, so we chose to wait a couple of years. During that time there were lots of emotions, but the compassion we all felt for children in need of love and care is what inspired us to begin our fostering journey. Watching our children welcome and embrace every child who comes into our home has been truly heart warming, and we believe it is helping shape them into the caring young adults they are today.”

Here are some thoughts shared by other children of our foster carers in the Flintshire fostering community.

Owen said…

“None of this would be possible without my mum, and I take great pride in supporting her as her son.”

Charlotte and Thomas said…

“We just want to make sure they are happy, settled and content. We will do our best to make them feel part of our family.”

Charlie said…

“I like it when children stay because they play with my toys and play football with me in the garden. Being a big brother role model is my favourite part.”

Ava said…

“Before children come to stay, my mum and dad ask me what I think. I like helping them so I say yes. When they’re here, they treat us all the same.”

could you foster?

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 local authority fostering team.