Wolverhampton officially thanked all of its dedicated foster parents for the vital work they do looking after vulnerable children and young people in the city.
The City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton team recognised the service of their foster parents at the ‘For the Love of Fostering’ awards evening at Molineux Stadium. Over 180 people attended the event, aimed at celebrating the city’s fantastic foster parents and recognising those earning long-service awards.
As well as the usual awards for the completion of 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-years’ service, this year saw the introduction of a new award to recognise those achieving permanency. Foster parents receiving this award may have been linked and matched long term with their foster child or have been successful in securing a Special Guardianship Order.
There was also a special thank-you and commendations for the city’s retiring foster parents. The evening was opened by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, with awards being presented by Councillor Christopher Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
Councillor Burden said: “I was delighted to celebrate the amazing work that all our fantastic foster parents do in Wolverhampton.
“These are very special people, and it was great to have the opportunity to personally thank them for their efforts on behalf of our city's children and young people and listen to their inspirational stories. We are very lucky to have so many highly committed and dedicated residents in Wolverhampton who provide the best care for our most vulnerable children and young people, but we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home.
"I would urge anyone who has considered fostering to speak to our Fostering for Wolverhampton team to find out more about this life-changing role.” Fostering for Wolverhampton seek foster parents from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and ethnic groups.
Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age, live within a 20-mile radius of Wolverhampton and have a spare bedroom – but, most importantly, they must have room in their heart to care for the city’s most vulnerable children and young people. The fostering process can take as little as 16 weeks and all foster parents will receive specialist support and training as well as a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up a child or sibling group.
