We are pleased to announce that Freda Lewis has been appointed as the new director of the Fostering Network in Wales. Freda will take up her post on 1 August. She currently works for the Welsh Assembly Government and has recently been working on policy related to fostering and adoption.
Freda says
"I am very excited about joining the Fostering Network at such a positive time within Wales. There is a big commitment across all parties in the Welsh Assembly Government to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. I look forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and other stakeholders to influence and improve the lives of children and young people".
Freda was born in Pembrokeshire and trained as a nurse, midwife and health visitor in South Wales. She developed a particular interest in improving services for women who suffer post natal depression and families who had suffered a pregnancy loss or death of a baby.
Freda is also a trained counsellor and has worked for a voluntary organisation for unwaged people.
Whilst completing an MSc in Interprofessional Studies, looking at how professional groups work together, Freda researched the effectiveness of team working in primary care. She describes her whole career as being, "committed to improving things for people and making sure they get a better deal in life".
Since being employed at the Welsh Assembly Government Freda has supported the development of clinical governance policy, equality policy, adoption and fostering policy.
Director of the Fostering Network, Robert Tapsfield, said
"I am delighted to welcome Freda Lewis as our new director in Wales. She brings a wealth of experience that will be of immense value to the Fostering Network. Her passion and commitment to improving foster care and the lives of children in care will, I am sure, mean that she proves to be a worthy successor to Jane Butler."
Jane Butler is leaving her post as director of the Fostering Network Wales on 13 July.