why foster with us?
support and rewards
finance and allowances
As a Foster Carer with your Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil team, you will receive generous financial allowances. We calculate these based on a number of factors like the type of fostering you undertake, how many children you foster, and for how long.
For example, right now in Merthyr Tydfil there are Foster Carers who receive between £12,584 and £39,520 per year.
other rewards
Our foster carers enjoy more perks than you might think. As well as the support and allowances mentioned already, in Merthyr Tydfil you’ll also get:
- Council Tax incentive scheme. All approved Foster Wales Merthyr foster carers receiving an additional allowance will receive a 50% incentive payment towards their council tax bill.
- Our Fostering Friendly Scheme means that if you work for Merthyr Tydfil CBC and foster for us you will receive up to 5 days additional paid leave whilst going through assessment and an additional 5 days per year post approval, for attending training, CLA reviews and responding to the needs of the child.
- Free leisure membership for the foster carer and their entire household, meaning unlimited use of Local Authority Gyms, swimming pools and classes.
- Support and mentoring from experienced foster carers via our Fostering Pioneer scheme.
- A wide range of learning and development opportunities delivered in flexible ways, including e-learning, podcasts, reading material and workshops, with a dedicated full time training officer just for our foster carers.
the foster wales national commitment
And that’s not all! Every Local Authority in Wales, including us, has signed up to what we call the National Commitment. This is an agreed package of rewards, training and support that are guaranteed for every one of our foster carers in Wales. So, like every other Foster Wales foster carer, you will benefit from:
one team
The Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil team works together with you, your foster children and every professional involved in their care, as part of one complete service. You’re a central part of this team, which means you’ll always be included, valued and respected.
By becoming part of our team you are joining forces with those who hold ultimate responsibility for every child looked after in Wales, and helping children to stay in the local areas they know and love. That’s what makes us unique.
learning and development
You’ll never feel like you’re standing still. We help you grow, with dedicated training and development opportunities. The framework and services for your personal growth are consistent across Wales, so you benefit from a shared, considered and proven support package.
It’s our promise to provide all the tools and training you need, to enable you to fully meet the needs of the children in your care.
This plan recognises all the valuable transferable skills and experiences you start with, and tailors a path forward to build on them.
support
You’re never out there on your own. You have the entire Foster Wales Merthyr Tydfil team by your side, supporting and encouraging you every step of the way.
We celebrate small victories with you, we work together, and we listen.
You’ll be invited to join a range of local support groups, and meet fellow foster carers. This is where you’ll share experiences, grow your network and make new friends. From support groups for men who foster to specialist kinds of foster carers, you’ll find new communities here. People who understand.
Professional support is there too. As part of the service we offer, you’ll have a skilled and experienced professional social worker on hand. For you, your family and your entire network.
We’re dedicated to working as a team with our foster carers, and that means being on hand 24/7. Whatever you need, whenever you need it – not just inside office hours. We’ll be there.
fostering community
We’re here for you – we stay connected.
Being a foster carer means joining a community, and we stay connected with regular events. You’ll be invited to all sorts of get togethers and activities which will bring you closer to other foster families. It’s about enjoying new experiences and making new memories, together.
You’ll also have access to a wealth of information and advice online. You’ll never feel alone.
As a Foster Wales foster carer, you receive membership to The Fostering Network (TFN) and the Association for Fostering and Adoption (AFA) Cymru. These specialist fostering organisations offer all kinds of independent support and advice, and that’s why they come as standard – paid for by us.
shaping the future
Our eyes are firmly fixed ahead – to the best possible futures we can build. We know that every child’s journey towards foster care is important, but their new journeys are where change can happen.
As a foster carer, you make the positive changes these children need. Your role is vital, and we know how important you are. Because of that, we make sure your voice is always heard – locally, regionally and nationally. – Not only that, but your views will impact how we move forward. You’ll be given opportunities to consult and influence the future of fostering in Wales, as well as being kept up to date with everything we do.
