Foster carers honoured for their dedication

Royal Borough foster carers were honoured for their efforts in caring for children and young people at a special gathering at Maidenhead Town Hall this morning (Friday 20 May).

The foster carers were joined by Home Secretary Theresa May, Cllr Christine Bateson, Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Forum, and other forum members, and Cllr Eileen Quick, Cabinet Member for Children's Services.

The event was an opportunity for the borough to thank local foster carers for all their hard work and dedication to children in care.

The Home Secretary chatted with foster carers, who shared their experiences of looking after children, and thanked them for their commitment and ongoing care and support to this vulnerable group of children. Mrs May enjoyed coffee and cake with the carers and members of staff working within the Corporate Parenting Service.

Cllr Bateson said afterwards: "This was an opportunity to thank our foster carers for the fantastic work they do in looking after children who can't be with their families. They offer enormous support, comfort and friendship, and a stable family environment during difficult times.

"I am proud of the unwavering commitment of our foster carers who constantly go the extra mile to keep children in our borough safe and well."

The event was held to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight (16 to 29 May), a national event seeking to promote the need to recruit more foster carers around the country.

At present there are 42 Royal Borough foster carers looking after 56 children. However, as in the rest of the country, the council is experiencing a shortage of carers and is keen to encourage people living in the borough and surrounding area to come forward to do this invaluable job.

Anyone can be considered as a foster carer provided they can offer a safe and comfortable environment. Foster carers can be single, in a relationship, with or without children, homeowners or in a rented property. The Royal Borough provides generous allowances of up to £330 per week per child.

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer can chat to the fostering team on 01628 683201 or email adoption-fostering@rbwm.gov.uk

How do you rate this information/service?