Wales is in the process of a whole system change for children's services.

These changes prioritise services that are locally based, locally designed, and locally accountable.

Within these plans there is a clear commitment to ‘eliminate private profit from the care of looked after children.' This means, by 2027, care of children that are looked after in Wales will be provided by public sector, charitable or not-for-profit organisations.

In light ofthese changes, Foster Wales Cardiff - which is part of the network representing Wales' 22 local authorities - are calling for more people to become local authority foster carers and encouraging those currently fostering with a for-profit agency to transfer over to their local authority team.

Cabinet Member for Social Services (Children) Cllr Ash Lister, said: "Wales is leading the way on long -lasting, positive changes to the care of young people in Wales - benefiting looked-after young people today, and in the future.

"Fostering with Foster Wales Cardiff, your local council, offers many benefits - from support, training and a local community of foster carers - but most importantly, the option for young people to stay local. 

"When a child comes into care, we need to have options for them to stay as close to home as possible and our local communities are key to making this change happen. So if you are interested in making a difference to a child or young person's life, contact us today."

In Wales, 79% of children cared for by private fostering agencies are fostered outside their local area, and 6% are moved out of Wales entirely. Meanwhile, 84% of those living with local authority foster carers stay within their own local area, close to home, to school, to family and friends.

Foster carer Becky, who made the switch from an independent agency to Foster Wales Cardiff, explained his journey - and the difference he's seen when fostering with the local authority:

"I've been fostering with Foster Wales Cardiff for nearly two years now. I fostered with an Independent Fostering Agency for three years previously, but I didn't like the idea of it being for profit so I made the transition, and I am really pleased I did. The transition was smooth, I had to go through the assessment again, but it was all fine and I was kept in the loop throughout. The training on offer is excellent and the support from my social worker is brilliant. The move was the best decision we've made."

For more information about fostering, or how to transfer to your local council team, visit: Cardiff.fosterwales.gov.wales or telephone 02920 873797.