Married couple Jenny and Mark care for three young boys from their family home in Wrexham.
the foster family
Jenny and Mark’s decision to start fostering was inspired by their three children, who have since grown up and moved out.
“We all used to go down to my Mum’s caravan in the summers, and the kids used to play with other children who were with foster families. It had us thinking that we had a lot to offer as a family and we could give other children the same stability our children had growing up.”
And, helping children to stay local and near the communities they are familiar with is a key factor for the couple.
They contacted our Foster Wales Wrexham team after a local foster family they got to know recommended us.
“They really made an effort to match us with more local children, so they could still see and play with their friends and siblings. It makes a huge difference in their lives, and ours.”
“they are part of the family”
Jenny and Mark have been foster carers for 13 years now and currently have two brothers living with them.
“The boys have been with us for 3 years now. They were eight and ten when they first arrived. They’ve really come on since then. They are doing so well in a local secondary school, which is fabulous to see.”
The couple think it is important for the children they care for to see their biological siblings on a regular basis.
“Through the team at Foster Wales Wrexham, we get to meet up with them so they can stay in touch and play together. It’s great to see the smiles on their faces when they see each other.”
“we fight their corner”
Jenny and Mark found that fostering is often not an easy journey, but it is highly rewarding.
“We’ve learnt as foster parents that for each step we take forward, we take a step back too. But, you have to trust your instincts and accept everyone for who they are, and find ways to help them thrive in their own way.
“The most important part is to let them know they are part of the family. To be there to fight their corner.
“To see the difference we are making to their lives, and ours, is why we continue on this journey. It’s why we foster.”
want to start your own fostering story?
If, like Jenny and Mark, you would like to make a difference in the lives of children and young people in your local area, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today, and let’s get started.
want to learn more?
Find out more about fostering and what it could mean for you.
Our fostering success stories are based on the real-life experiences of Local Authority Foster Carers in Wales. To protect their privacy, and the privacy of the children and young people to whom they provide care, love and support, all the names have been changed and actors have stepped in to help us tell their amazing stories.
