The pandemic made vulnerable children harder to monitor and support: few were attending school or childcare settings, and safeguarding referrals initially fell. The Welsh Government planned to expand its definition of vulnerability so local authorities could offer places to children on the edge of care, and said social workers were assessing cases individually and maintaining contact, including face-to-face visits where necessary.

Foster carers faced extra costs and, in some cases, could no longer foster temporarily. Although there was no uniform payment described, some local authorities had paid retainers, increased payments or helped with expenses such as broadband. The Government also supported guidance for foster carers, while the Fostering Network extended its helpline and Voices from Care Cymru offered support to care leavers.