Posted on Wednesday 14th December 2011
Cllr Davies with the Foster Carers who were celebrated at the lunch
Foster carers throughout the County Borough have enjoyed a very special awards ceremony held in their honour to thank them for the difference they make to the young people of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Foster carers attended the appreciation lunch, organised to highlight their tireless efforts as they not only open their homes to vulnerable children and young adults, but dedicate their time and compassion to providing them with the best possible start in life.
The annual event featured guest speaker Phillipa Williams of the Fostering Network who told the crowded hall at Esis in Nantgarw, about the number of services for children in care and the support available to foster carers.
Awards were presented to carers who achieved their NVQ Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People.
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate carers who have fostered children and young people over a lengthy amount of time. Yvonne and Ken Mason of Abercynon were applauded with their 35 Year Service Award.
Also congratulated was Mary Bailey of Porth for 30 years service and Denise and Andrew Bromfield of Miskin for 20 years service to foster caring.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has hundreds of looked-after children and young people and the drive to provide them with loving, stable, productive homes continues.
It is only thanks to the efforts of more than 100 foster carers of all ages and backgrounds that these children are given the best possible start in life.
Finding themselves in care through no fault of their own, each of the children deserves the right to have a comfortable home, stable upbringing and lessons in life on things as simple as cooking and dressing – things most children take for granted.
It is essential for the children and young people who are looked after by Rhondda Cynon Taf to know that there is someone who will care for them and about them in a homely environment.
It is thanks to the inspiring commitment of foster carers that this is made possible, with young children leaving care as positive, established and motivated young people because someone – their foster carer – has given them the care and support they need.
Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities, said: “Foster carers are such an inspiration and it is a pleasure to be able to hold an event to say a huge thank you to them for the work they do.
“Foster caring is not a short-term voluntary effort. It is a demanding and challenging role that must be fulfilled 24-hours-a-day, 365 days of the year. It is not a job for them, it is a way of life.
“We are so proud of their efforts and what they have achieved for young people. Fostering continues to present itself as an alternative childcare profession and we would urge people who want to make a difference to consider it.
“There is always room for more and we would welcome approaches from those looking for such a challenge.”
The Council looks after children and and young people from babies through to eighteen year olds and carers work with us to decide whether they are most suited to younger or older children and young people.
All carers receive professional support and training, with the chance to secure formal qualifications in childcare as well as the fees and allowances which enable them to offer appropriate care within their own families. There is also free leisure access within Rhondda Cynon Taf for up to 4 members of the family.
For more information on how to become a foster carer and make a difference to the future of a child – while also securing generous benefits, training and professional support – contact 0800 085 2635, email fostercare@rctcbc.gov.uk or visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/fostercare