Foster Carers in Conwy celebrate contribution of foster siblings
Mark, Catrin, Marie and Eleri.
Foster carers in Conwy are celebrating the vital contribution their own children play in the fostering journey.
As part of Children of Foster Carers Week (from 13 - 19 October), Foster Wales Conwy carers are sharing stories of how their children have helped make those in their care feel happier, more welcome, safer, and more loved.
Some people say the potential impact on their children is one of the barriers to becoming a foster carer, but many children find benefits to being a part of a family who fosters. Seeing life from another’s perspective can be an enriching experience that can help a child learn and develop as an individual. Children also find they can develop their own bonds with children who are fostered in their home.
Mark and Marie share their story of involving their children in the process of fostering through Foster Wales Conwy.
Marie, along with her husband Mark and their two daughters Eleri and Catrin, have been fostering with their local authority Foster Wales Conwy since 2019. The family have chosen to foster younger children for now to fit in with the dynamics of the home and the age of their own children, who are now 15 and 18.
“We have explained the different reasons and scenarios why children may need foster care. But they’ve never known details and backgrounds of the children that we have fostered. They don’t need to know that. All they know is that their birth families still love them and that we are just helping them until they can be back together again.”
“Fostering is impactful; it has done my children the world of good. It has shaped their personalities. They’ve grown up so much, made sacrifices and gained valuable life skills”
“But it’s much more than that. It’s the way they feel about other children and their awareness of why you shouldn’t judge anyone. They’ve come to understand the stigma around children in foster care and how it needs to be addressed in society.”
You can read Marie and Mark’s story in full here: fostering as a family: how to successfully foster with your own children - foster wales
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Conwy visit conwy.fosterwales.gov.wales
Posted on 13/10/2025