Helen Mary Jones AM launched Foster Care
Fortnight in Wales at the Welsh Assembly Government Building. The
event featured the premiere of Telling My Story, a series of four
digital stories produced by care leavers about their experiences of
being in foster care.
The digital stories were developed by the Fostering Network Wales in collaboration with the University of Glamorgan, BBC Wales and Voices from Care Cymru. Each film, lasting for two minutes, was created by a care leaver and revealed the stories behind their most treasured objects, using their own photos, words and voice.
The launch was attended by foster carers, other social care professionals and care-experienced young people. Jane Hutt, minister for children, education, lifelong learning and skills, met with the attending young people before the launch and David Melding, chair of the All Party Group for looked after children, spoke highlighting the shortage of foster carers in Wales.
Shirley Grinter fostering team manager from Carmarthenshire County Council, who attended the event, said "the young people who made the digital stories were inspiring, it makes the job worthwhile".
Maria Boffey, event organiser said "Telling My Story is a major contribution to a better understanding about the issues that children in care face. I could tell that it had real impact with the audience and the contributors themselves. They will be a great help in breaking down stigma about children in care and hopefully encouraging the 370 more people we need this year in Wales to come forward as foster carers".
