In September 2015, Adoption and Fostering (AFA) Cymru was formed. Whilst its day to day operational services of training, consultancy, professional advice and information are delivered independently of St. David’s, it is by law governed by St. David’s Children Society under the terms of its charitable status.
The Association for Fostering and Adoption Cymru (AFA Cymru) promotes good practice across the breadth of permanency planning for children and young people. It also offers advice, training and consultancy to professionals and members of the public to support best practice.
We have a unique focus across all aspects of permanence: we consider all aspects of legal, emotional and physical permanence for children who may be rehabilitated home, placed within the extended family network or be cared for or adopted by non-family foster carers and adopters. The common factor for all these children is the impact that their early experiences have on shaping their needs both now and in the future. Caregiving for these children and young people can be complex and demanding and in order to support positive outcomes for children, assessments of their needs, and of potential caregivers, must be robust and well informed by research, and best practice. Good care planning must also be informed by an understanding of current case law, research and best practice.
