Cwmbran couple add their voice to fostering campaign
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Today marks the start of Fostering February, a month-long campaign which raises awareness about the role of a foster carer, and to dispel myths and misconceptions about fostering.
David and Angie Phillips, from Cwmbran, have joined the campaign by talking about how they have found foster caring with Torfaen council.
The couple have been fostering for six months with Torfaen council, fostering three children over this period.
David, who has multiple sclerosis, retired from his job in 2012. David and Angie found that they had a lot of spare time on their hands.
David commented: “We had the care and the passion to want to foster and to hopefully change some young children’s lives.”
The couple are currently fostering two teenage girls aged 12 and 13.
Angie said: “With teenagers, you’ve just got to come down to their level. We’ve been very lucky; the children that we’ve fostered are wonderful children.”
David is an archer who has competed in Paralympic competitions, and uses his sporting abilities to bond with his foster children.
David said: “We include them in a lot of activities. They love sports and I’m a sports person. They go to a lot of out of school activities.”
Torfaen council offers full guidance and support to foster carers, and the couple have been pleased with the process.
Angie added: “Torfaen council were very quick and very thorough. They’re always there if you need them, and always at the end of the phone.”
The couple believe that seeing their foster children develop has been the most rewarding part of their roles.
Angie said: “There’s been a total change in our girls in three months. They came to us as girls, and now they’re young ladies.”
Councillor Richard Clark, executive member for health, social care and well-being said: “David and Angie’s story shows just how rewarding fostering can be. It has been great to hear residents relating their experiences of fostering with Torfaen council, and I encourage all those who are interested in fostering to get in touch with our family placement team.”
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