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Sons and Daughters Month

Published: 21/10/2015

Flintshire County Council’s fostering team is supporting The Fostering Network’s Sons and Daughters month to recognise the positive contribution that the children of foster carers make. Every year in October, fostering services across the UK run events and activities to recognise and reward children and young people for the important role they play in welcoming fostered children into their families. Leah Ellison, 23 from Mold has been part of a fostering family for 7 years. Her parents started fostering when she was 16 and have looked after a total of 27 children. She says being part of a foster family has been a really positive experience. ”I grew up as an only child so fostering has given me the chance to be a role model for younger children. It’s allowed me to become someone that kids look up to, and in turn that has inspired me to be a better person,” she explained. “Fostering is a positive experience. It’s interesting and you’re constantly learning. The relationships that you have a chance to form with interesting people from varying backgrounds is incredible. “I wasn’t sure at the start and I’m sure that’s the case for all children whose families foster but if you give it a chance, you’ll not look back.” Leah, who now lives away from home added: ”I can’t imagine visiting home and not being greeted by different faces and the warmth and love a child in care has to offer.” Flintshire’s fostering team organises fun days out for the children of foster carers during the school holidays as a way of thanking them for their positive contribution to foster families. Cllr Christine Jones, Cabinet Member for Social Services said: “We know the important role that foster carers’ own children play to make the children feel happy and safe, especially when they first arrive and feel scared. They share their mum, dad, toys and home and so it’s very important that their contribution is recognised and valued.” To coincide with The Fostering Network’s Sons and Daughters campaign, Flintshire County Council’s Fostering Team is holding an information event about fostering at Springfield Hotel near Holywell at 7pm on Thursday 22 October. For more information visit www.flintshirefostering.org.uk or call 01352 702190.