Celebrating our region’s foster carers

A celebration acknowledging the vital work of our foster carers do for young people in our region was held earlier this week. Foster carers from across Dumfries and Galloway came together for the first time as a whole group following the pandemic. The event arranged by Dumfries and Galloway Council was to thank foster carers and celebrate all the wonderful care they provide to children and young people.

A presentation during the event also recognised some of our amazing carers who have recently retired as well as carers who have fostered for more than 25 years.

Different speakers attended the event including the Interim Chief Exec of the council, Derek Crichton and Sara Smith from the fostering network. The event was also an opportunity for staff from social work to hear from foster carers, listen to their views and ideas on potential improvements on working together.

Chair of the Social Work committee, Andy Ferguson, said “It was good to see so many of our foster carers come together. The last two years have been challenging but we’ve seen compassion and selflessness from our foster carers. They have opened their doors to children and given them a safe place during the Covid-19 pandemic when the rest of the country were struggling to even see their own families. These foster carers helped children to stay safe, in caring communities and create warm and nurturing relationships. This in turn helps to build stability and confidence in these young people.

This was an important day. It provided us with an opportunity to thank foster carers and celebrate all the wonderful care they have provided to children in foster care throughout the national pandemic. They’ve had to become teachers, entertainers, counsellors as well as carers for children. They’ve had to adapt to using new technology and many have found creative ways to ensure that children’s needs are met. Our foster carers have done so admirably and continued to put young people first. They are a credit to our region.”

Vice Chair or social work, Ian Howie, said “it was a pleasure to be able to hand out these awards today. They are a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our foster carers every day. Fostering has had to adapt to the strange circumstances we all found ourselves in and our foster carers really stepped up to provide outstanding care and support for children and families who needed them. Today provided us with the opportunity to say a big thank you and convey our appreciation for everything they’ve done.”

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