Dedicated carers who have opened their homes and hearts to children to provide stability, love and support when it is needed most have been honoured at special events across North Yorkshire as part of Foster Care Fortnight.
Across the celebrations, 33 long service awards were presented to foster parents, including both individuals and couples, representing an impressive 380 years of collective fostering experience.
The celebrations included a series of afternoon cream teas held across the county giving foster carers the chance to come together, relax and be recognised for their hard work and dedication.
Carers from North Yorkshire’s Mockingbird hubs also gathered and were thanked for their commitment to the innovative fostering model. Mockingbird creates a network of support around fostering families, helping them feel connected, resilient and part of a wider community.
Fostering North Yorkshire, which is part o four, joined the Fostering Network’s Mockingbird Family Model Programme, along with 22 other fostering services around the country in 2019, to empower families to support each other.
There are currently four hubs in North Yorkshire (two in Scarborough, one in Selby and one near Thirsk). A fifth constellation is planned for later this year, also based in Scarborough.
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is a chance for us to shine a light on the remarkable people who foster.
“Their time, commitment and the love they share changes lives every single day. To see 380 years of combined fostering experience in one room is truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do.”
