Posted on Monday 13th February 2012
An award ceremony to showcase the many achievements of young people who are in local authority care is being organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The 2012 Achievement Awards For Looked After Children will celebrate the positive changes to a young person despite the often difficult start to their lives.
Launched six years ago by the Council’s Children’s Services Department, the awards mark the achievements of children in Rhondda Cynon Taf who are looked-after, either by foster carers, homes or other elements of the care system.
These can include achievements in their personal life, including sustained positives changes in behaviour, personal commitment, educational achievement, employment scheme and social or sporting activities.
At this year’s ceremony, which will take place at the Rhondda Heritage Park, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Sylvia Jones will reward individuals who have been nominated by their carers for the recognition they deserve.
A total of 50 young people will attend the heart-warming event, where they will receive a certificate, voucher and a medal to celebrate their individual achievements and progression.
They will also be accompanied by foster carers and social workers who have direct contact with the young people along with members of the Council’s own Corporate Parenting Board who between them may have nominated them to enter the awards.
Presenting the awards will be Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Group Director of Community and Children’s Services along with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities Cllr Annette Davies.
Cllr Davies explained: “Over the years, our aim has been to take forward the needs of young people in the County Borough. I am delighted to have been invited to meet the foster children and their carers and to hear their stories. This event is a celebration of young people and their achievements.
“I would like to pay tribute to the young people as their success stories, often from difficult circumstances, is highly commendable and humbling for us all."