Mair and Richard had a positive experience with their independent fostering agency. The support was there. The relationships worked. But over time, they started to look a bit more closely at how the system worked, and where they fitted within it. That’s when they began asking bigger questions and started considering transferring to Foster Wales Newport.
Understanding the bigger picture
They were already caring for children from Newport, so they began asking questions. Doing their own research. Trying to understand what was happening behind the scenes.
“We did some research and realised how much it was costing the local authority to place children with independent fostering agencies… when you worked out how much taxpayers’ money was being spent, it was a no brainer.”
That shift in perspective stayed with them. It wasn’t about being unhappy where they were. It was about deciding where they wanted to be going forward.
A more joined-up way of working
One of the first things they noticed after transferring was how much more joined-up everything felt. Instead of different organisations sitting across the process, everyone was part of the same local authority team.
“It is handy that the children’s social worker and supervising social worker are all under the same roof… information sharing is much easier.”
Day to day, that made things simpler. Conversations felt more direct. Information didn’t need to travel as far. And if someone wasn’t available, there was usually someone else within the same team who could step in and help.
They also felt their voice carried more weight.
“We feel like we have a voice and our voice for the children is heard more since fostering with Newport.”
That sense of being listened to, especially when you’re advocating for a child, made a difference.
A stronger sense of community
Something else changed too, and it wasn’t something they had expected. They found a stronger sense of community with other carers.
“There is a huge sense of community when fostering in Newport.”
There were more opportunities to connect. To share experiences. To support each other in small, everyday ways. Group chats. Meeting up. Passing on clothes and things the children might need.
“We can meet up where the children don’t have to be different, they are just kids.”
That shared understanding, both for carers and for children, became an important part of their experience.
How things work day-to-day with Foster Wales Newport
Financially, things “remained the same.” But some of the practical sides of fostering felt easier to manage. They had experienced delays around respite payments before. Since moving, they describe the system as more straightforward.
“In Newport, it is slick and easy to manage.”
There were also smaller, everyday differences. Their previous agency was based a distance away, which meant regular travel for training without expenses. With the local authority, mileage can be claimed for certain journeys.
And there were a few unexpected benefits too. “The free gym membership offered by the local authority was a nice touch, which we use regularly.” Individually, these things might seem small. But together, they shape what day-to-day fostering feels like.
Where removal of profit comes in
The bigger shift, though, was around values.
In Wales, there is a move towards removing profit from the care of looked after children, with a plan for services, including fostering, to operate on a not-for-profit basis by 2027.
Independent fostering agencies can be either for-profit or not-for-profit. For Mair and Richard, understanding how that system works played a part in their decision.
“Independent fostering agencies have a different way of working. They operate in a business model and it is about making money.”
At the same time, they are clear about their own experience.
“There were no changes within the independent fostering agency, we were happy. It was the morals of the company that made us move.”
It wasn’t about something going wrong. It was about thinking more carefully about where money goes, and what fostering should be centred around.
Keeping children local
Staying local was another important part of that. “It is important for children to stay local to what they know.”
Being closer to familiar places, schools and communities can make a real difference for children. And being part of the local authority means being part of the system that is trying to make that happen.
So why move?
Looking back, there wasn’t a single turning point. It was a gradual shift. Learning more about how fostering works. Thinking about what mattered most. And deciding where they wanted to be part of that system.
And for them, it comes back to something simple:
“It is not about having a spare room to foster, it is about having spare room in your heart, family and your life.”
Thinking about transferring to Foster Wales Newport?
If you’re currently fostering with an independent fostering agency and wondering what a move might look like, you don’t have to make any decisions straight away.
Your experience will be recognised. You won’t be starting again. And you can have a conversation without pressure.
If you live in Newport, Wales, send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website, where you can find all the necessary information about fostering and contact details for your local authority fostering service.
Choosing Foster Wales is a decision to work with real people in your local community, who put children’s and young people’s best interest at the core of everything they do.
