Foster Wales Caerphilly would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to Deb and Ian for their remarkable 30 years of commitment to fostering children and young people who have experienced significant adversity in their early lives.
Approved as foster carers in 1995, Deb and Ian have since cared for over 40 children, offering exceptional care within a loving, stable, and nurturing home environment. Their dedication has provided countless children with the security and support needed to grow and flourish.
Throughout their fostering journey, Deb and Ian have cared for children on a long-term, short-term, emergency, and respite basis, ranging from babies to teenagers, including many with complex needs. Drawing on their experience of parenting, they have developed effective strategies to support children displaying challenging or complex behaviours. They remain attuned to the individual needs of the children currently in their care.
Deb and Ian’s commitment extends beyond fostering, they have adopted three of the children they once cared for. Their 11-year-old adopted daughter lives with Autism and Mutism, and their adult son, who also continues to live with them, has Autism and hearing difficulties. Deb and Ian have learned basic sign language to aid communication, demonstrating their adaptability and devotion to meeting their children’s needs.
Through these experiences, they have developed extensive knowledge and understanding of Neurodiversity, further strengthening their ability to support children with diverse needs. Their insight, empathy, and unwavering patience have proven invaluable in creating an inclusive, supportive family environment.
Deb and Ian are deeply committed to enriching the lives of the children and young people they care for. They regularly organise day trips, annual visits to Butlins, and family holidays to Europe, ensuring every child has the opportunity to build positive, lasting memories.
One of the children currently in their care has been with them since the age of two and is now 17 years old. With Deb and Ian’s continued support, she is successfully completing college, preparing to attend university, and will remain with them under the When I’m Ready (WIR) scheme, a testament to the enduring, family-like bonds they foster.
It has been a privilege to work alongside them and their family. Their kindness, integrity, and values will undoubtedly have left a lasting positive impression on every child they have supported.
