A New Chapter After Retirement
When Sharon-Ann retired in 2015, she began exploring something she had always been passionate about—fostering. With little knowledge of the differences between fostering through an independent fostering agency (IFA) and a local authority, she took her first steps into the world of fostering with an IFA.
Life as an Agency Foster Carer
As an agency foster carer, Sharon-Ann was often asked to care for children and young people who couldn’t be placed with local authority carers. She supported children from a range of local authorities, and although some placements were far from home, the children were able to remain in their schools thanks to the support of those authorities. Sharon-Ann built strong, trusting relationships with the children’s social workers, which helped her provide consistent and compassionate care.
A Turning Point: Working with Torfaen MyST
One of Sharon-Ann’s placements involved a young person from Torfaen who was supported by the MyST team—a therapeutic service run by the local authority. During this time, Sharon-Ann experienced a level of support she hadn’t encountered before.
“The support was exceptional,” she recalls. “There was 24-hour wraparound care and direct contact with the young person’s workers. Everyone I spoke to knew me, the young person, and the situation. That made a huge difference.”
This experience left a lasting impression. The relationships she built with the MyST team were so strong that they ultimately influenced her decision to transfer to local authority fostering.
Joining the MyST Team
In 2023, Sharon-Ann officially became a Torfaen MyST foster carer. Sharon Reilly, Manager of Torfaen MyST, remembers their early collaboration fondly:
“I first met Sharon-Ann when she was fostering through an IFA. We worked closely together through many ups and downs. The relationship we built—between Sharon-Ann, myself, and the wider MyST team—stayed with all of us. At MyST, relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and I believe that connection was key in Sharon-Ann choosing to join us when the time was right.”
A Different Experience with the Local Authority
Since transferring, Sharon-Ann has found fostering with the local authority to be a completely different experience—one marked by deeper support, stronger communication, and a more child-focused approach.
“The support, knowledge, and patience from MyST and the fostering team are second to none,” she says. “Everyone is so helpful and well-informed. It makes a real difference to the success of each fostering journey.”
She also values the guidance of her Supervising Social Worker, Simona, and enjoys attending training sessions both in person and online.
Advice for Others Considering the Move
For those thinking about fostering—or transferring from an IFA to a local authority—Sharon-Ann has a clear message:
“The local authority is child-focused, not money-orientated. They provide security and support without the middle man.”
She adds:
“Fostering for the local authority helps keep children in their local communities, in familiar environments, and allows them to maintain essential relationships with family and friends.”
https://torfaen.fosterwales.gov.wales
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01495 766669
Choosing Foster Wales Torfaen, is a decision to help children stay local and maintain important bonds. As a local team, we put children at the heart of everything we do.
