Couple keep fostering after caring for 100 children

A couple who have fostered more than 100 children say they will keep doing so until they "physically can't anymore".

When husband and wife Jane and Chris Williams, from Swansea, decided to start fostering 24 years ago, they never expected to look after so many.

More than 7,000 children are in the care system in Wales, with just 3,800 foster families, according to Foster Wales.

"You just need one bed, and space in your heart, and you can become a great foster carer," said Mr Williams.

Mrs Williams, 58, said a conversation with their own three children inspired them.

"We just came home and spoke to the children about their feelings, and how they'd feel about sharing their home, their mum and dad, and after that chat we decided to start the ball rolling," she said.

"When we had our first placement, it was two young boys. We were all a bit anxious at the time.

"They were with us for around six weeks and we all grew together through the experience."

Mr Williams, 59, said seeing the children moving on to "a more positive life" was what inspired them to keep going.

"It can be difficult because you get so attached, but as soon as you have the first phone call or letter saying they're doing well, it makes it all worth it," he said.

Mrs Williams added the experience of fostering had changed her family for the better.

She added: "Our children and grandchildren get involved, our parents become nana and grandpa... I think our children are better people for seeing what some children have to deal with."

The couple said they were "shocked" when they realised they had fostered more than 100 children, but had "no thoughts" of stopping.

"There's such a shortage of foster carers at the moment so we'll carry on until we can't physically carry on anymore," said Mrs Williams.

Social worker Gerald Walker, who supports the couple, said there was a need to tackle stigma around fostering and social workers.

"There are so many misconceptions, like we love taking children away from families, or we get paid commission if we remove children from families, that's a total myth," he said.

"Our primary want is to get children back with their families, as soon as possible, and as safe as possible in a planned way."

Mr Walker said returning to their family was not always the right thing for every child, adding: "If the children need to be in a foster placement then that's where they'll be. We always act in the best interest of the children.

"Foster carers are not superheroes, but to me they are."

Alastair Cope, head of Foster Wales, praised couples who have fostered for a long period of time.

"We do have couples like Chris and Jane who have been fostering for years, and it really is inspiring," he said.

"We need more people to come forward to foster, come forward to their local authority.

"There's a huge need out there, and a number of young people just need love and support."