When Kelly and her husband started fostering four years ago, they were looking for a new way to make a difference. Having raised four children of their own, with their two eldest children already living independently, they found themselves with extra space at home and wanted to help children who needed support.
Today, they provide short break fostering in Cardiff, welcoming children into their home and offering valuable support to families and fellow foster carers.
A Journey That Started with One Child
Kelly’s first fostering experience began on an important family occasion.
“The first child came to us as a short break on our wedding anniversary,” she recalls.
What started as a short break placement soon developed into something more. After caring for the child regularly, Kelly and her husband were asked to look after him and his sibling on a longer-term basis. The children stayed with the family for around 18 months before returning to live with their mother after she successfully turned her life around.
For Kelly, it was a powerful example of how foster carers can support children and families through challenging times.
Why Short Break Fostering Works for Their Family
While they have cared for children on a longer-term basis, the family primarily focuses on short break fostering in Cardiff. The flexibility allows them to continue supporting their own children while helping others.
Kelly regularly provides planned short break care, including caring for siblings every six weeks for a couple of nights at a time. These regular stays give the children’s foster carers a much-needed break for a few nights, while providing consistency and familiarity for the children. The arrangements are often planned months in advance, helping create stability and reassurance for everyone involved.
When Fostering Becomes Family
Like many fostering families, there was an adjustment period when they first started.
“Our children found it difficult to start with,” says Kelly.
By keeping communication open and maintaining family routines, everyone adapted. Football clubs, family activities and holidays continued as normal, helping foster children feel included without disrupting family life.
Over time, strong bonds were formed.
“When the children left after 18 months, our children sobbed. They were like another brother and sister to them.”
The children became a true part of the family, sharing everyday experiences and creating memories together.
Advice for Anyone Considering Short Break Fostering in Cardiff
Kelly has a simple message for anyone thinking about fostering:
“100% do it if it’s something you are thinking about.”
She encourages prospective carers to approach fostering with empathy and understanding.
“Put yourself in the children’s shoes and think how you would feel going into a stranger’s house. They have so much going on in their lives.”
For Kelly, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“If you can love and nurture, you should do it. It is so rewarding.”
With a growing need for foster carers, short break fostering in Cardiff offers a flexible way to make a real difference. By opening your home for a few days or weekends at a time, you can provide stability, support and positive experiences that can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Interested in fostering?
If you would like to find out more about fostering get in touch with our team:
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
