"Fostering can be the best job in the world" say James and Bev Jones
25.05.10
THERE'S plenty of love to go around in one Swansea home.
James and Bev Jones have not only raised children of their own, they have also helped transform the lives of other people's youngsters.
The Morriston couple have fostered an amazing 16 children in the past six years, and now they are urging parents to follow their example.
James, aged 49, and 45-year-old Bev are carers with Wales's leading independent fostering agency - Pathway Care.
They want to raise awareness of the vital work foster carers do to help children and young people from challenging backgrounds to regain their self- esteem and build a positive life for the future.
James said: "Bev and I have a large family with four daughters and two grandsons.
"We felt we'd done a pretty good job as parents, and wanted to help vulnerable youngsters who, through no fault of their own, had had a difficult start in life."
"We include our foster children in family activities, and we enjoy camping trips, dancing and attending family days with Pathway Care.
This helps foster children feel loved and wanted, learn to trust somebody and believe in themselves."
They are backing Fostering Fortnight 2010, which starts on May 17th and aims to tackle the shortage of foster carers in Wales. At the moment, around 750 more are needed.
James and Bev have fostered children from various backgrounds including sibling groups and young people with challenging behaviour such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
They still keep in regular contact with the young people they have fostered, and currently foster a 13-year-old girl, who has been with them for three months.
The couple have also inspired James's brother and sister-in-law to become foster carers with Pathway Care.
"To be a good foster carer, you need to go into the role with your eyes open, be non- judgemental, supportive, understanding and patient," said James.
"You also have to be generous with your praise, but set boundaries for reasonable behaviour, and be fair but firm when needed.
"Fostering is challenging. It's not for everyone, but for the right sort of person it can be the best job in the world.
"Over the years, we've seen those we've cared for develop a more positive outlook on life and gain the skills they need for life.
"We never feel alone. Pathway Care provides us with support from experienced social workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
"They also provide continuous training."
Pathway Care's director of practice Wendy Keidan said: "We're very proud of James and Bev, who, like all our foster carers, have done so much to help fostered children lead a better quality of life and have hope for the future.
"Fostering Fortnight is an important reminder that there's a shortage of foster carers in Swansea, and the Swansea Valleys in particular.
"Foster carers come from all cultures, backgrounds and include couples with or without children, single people, divorced people and lone parents.
"We are keen to hear from people who are experienced foster carers, or who are considering becoming foster carers who can look after lone children, sibling groups, unaccompanied asylum seeking children, young mothers and their babies, teenagers, and children with disabilities and challenging behaviour."
A career in foster care offers many benefits, including competitive rates of pay and flexible working.
