Solihull foster carers awarded at ceremony
Solihull Council recently hosted an awards event to celebrate the dedication of its foster carers, for providing the best possible outcomes for children and young people in care within the borough.
The event took place at the Civic Suite on Friday 17th March, with awards presented by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson.
Over 50 foster carers attended the awards ceremony, which included awards for resilience and outstanding contributions to the care of children and young people in Solihull.
The final awards of the event were long service awards for foster carers who had completed over 10 years of service. Twelve foster carers received their long service awards – collectively providing 202 years of fostering experience between them.
Ken and Jean Jones are the longest serving carers in the borough with 36 years of fostering in Solihull. During this time they have cared for around 200 children. Jean said: “It’s brilliant to come to an event like this and meet other carers, especially those who are just starting to share the experience.”
Siân Mcallister, a representative of the Children in Care Council in Solihull OVOS (Our Voice Our Service) also attended. Sian has experience of being in care in Solihull herself and had this to say about the importance of fostering: “As a young person that has been through a lot, I feel that foster carers play an important role in the lives of the young person they care for.
“As a foster carer, they can teach a child or young person a lot, and that young person will remember the things their carer does for the rest of their lives.”
The event was attended by several representatives of Solihull Council, including Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, Councillor Ken Meeson. He said: “Foster carers provide a vital role in ensuring the best possible life outcomes for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families in Solihull.
“These foster carers prepare young people for success in the future, for that I thank them.”
To become a foster carer, people need to have a spare room in their home, a commitment to help a child or young person, patience and a willingness to learn. People from all walks of life are welcome to apply to foster, whether they are single, married or in a same sex relationship, own or rent a home or have children of their own.
Photo: * Nora Reid 13 years fostering, Daniela Visram Cipolletta 11 years fostering, The Mayor Mike Robinson, Jo Somerfield 10 years fostering, Maureen & Steve Catton 12 years fostering – Long Service Award Winners
* David Burgess, The Mayor Mike Robinson, Doreth Burgess – Long service award winners
* Jean and Ken Jones who have fostered for 36 years
For further information about fostering with Solihull Council: https://socialsolihull.org.uk/fosteringandadoption/fostering/ or call 0800 073 0769.
Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1640/Celebrating-over-200-years-of-fostering-in-Solihull