The pandemic made it harder to identify and support vulnerable children: many were not attending school or seeing professionals regularly, and safeguarding referrals had fallen. The Welsh Government planned to broaden its definition of vulnerability so local authorities could offer places to children on the edge of care, while prioritising those at greatest risk.

Foster carers faced additional expenses, and some could temporarily no longer foster. Support varied by local authority: some paid retainers or increased payments, while carers needing further help were advised to approach their local authority or fostering agency.