The first annual Fostering Excellence awards have taken place at BMA House, London, on Wednesday 1 October, presented by the UK’s leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

The Fostering Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in foster care, honour the achievements of young care leavers and acknowledge the valuable contribution that sons and daughters make to the fostering household.

Four categories of award were presented on the night by president of The Fostering Network, Jim Bond:

Fostering Achievement Award: Presented to three young people who had left care in the last 12 months who have achieved and succeeded against the odds on their journey through foster care.
Billy Scothern
Rebecca Owen
Star Ivory

Outstanding Contribution to Foster Care Award: Presented to three foster carers who had made an exceptional contribution to foster care in the last 12 months, or who have achieved something truly outstanding.
Helen Clyde
Martina and Paul Savill
Daniela Visram-Cipoletta

Fostering Sons and Daughters Award: Presented to three children of foster carers, recognising the unsung heroes of fostering who can make a real and lasting impact on the lives of fostered young people living with their family.
Abbie Poulton
Jac Talbot
Marlie Barbour

The President’s Award: This discretionary award is made to people who have made an exceptional contribution to foster care.
Diane and Mike Abby

Jim Bond, president of The Fostering Network, said: “It is an honour to bring all of these incredible people together to celebrate fostering. What makes them all unique though, is that none of them have any idea that what they do is special.

“We had to make some difficult choices given the standard of nominations and though we wish we could give an award to everyone, I believe that we made some good choices.

“Foster carers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make sure that children who can’t live with their birth families have the stability, love and support that they deserve. Their sons and daughters make an invaluable contribution to the fostering household. And we’re also recognising the achievements of care experienced young people who are achieving against the odds and helping others in society. Thank you to you all.”

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For media enquiries and more information about the awards and the winners, contact The Fostering Network press office on 020 7620 6425 or media@fostering.net  Follow us on Twitter @fosteringnet

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity. By working with foster families, and the services that support them, we help all children and young people who are fostered to achieve the very best they can.