Rhondda Cynon Taf’s unsung Supermen and women have enjoyed a very special slap-up lunch and awards ceremony held in their honour to thank them for the difference they make to the County Borough’s young people.
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.
A best part of the event was presentations to the 11 foster carers who have attained NVQ qualifications in childcare, studying while also caring for children.
The event concluded with awards for those who have served 10, 15, 20, 30 and even a staggering 35 years as foster carers. A total of 12 foster carers were commended for serving a staggering 195 years between them!!
Among them were Joy and John Crosby from the Taff area, who were commended for dedicating 35 years of their lives to fostering.
Joy, said: “We were delighted to be given an award for doing something that we both love. Being a foster carer is not always easy but it is definitely rewarding, over the years we have helped so many young people and hopefully made a positive difference to their lives.
“I would recommend becoming a foster carer to anyone, it is the best decision we ever made.”
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.”
We look after children 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 [email protected] or visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/fostercare
