A group of long serving foster carers who between them have had a positive impact on the lives of well over 100 children and young people in Moray, have been recognised and thanked for their amazing dedication.
A special celebration of fostering was held yesterday (Wednesday 25 October) at the Williamson Hall in Elgin as part of events marking Care Experienced Week 2023.
Carers and their families were invited to the lunch and awards ceremony where they were recognised for their work to provide a safe, caring environment for the youngsters who need it.
Long-service awards and flowers were presented to four families by Senior Social Worker Avril Laing and her colleagues from the Health & Social Care Moray (HSCM) Placement Services Team, to thank them for their vital role they fulfil.ย
Moira Nicol from Forres has supported 77 children since she began fostering in 2003 and continues to show her commitment and dedication to the service. Her vast experience and exceptional organisational skills are a great help to the team.
Avril said: โAlthough Moira didnโt want a big fuss, we as a service could not let the remarkable achievement of 20 years pass without saying a big thank you from us and all those you have supported.โ
Elgin couple Sandra and David Barclay were praised for the care they have given to 43 children over the last 13 yearsโ service, ensuring they are loved and included.
โThey have contributed to many successful adoptions and have prioritised ensuring that siblings remain together. They have been, and continue to be, a massive asset to our fostering service as well as contributing to service development,โ Avril said.
Alison and Gordon George have opened their Urquhart home to provide 18 emergency or interim placements and short breaks for children and young people over the past decade. A 10 year long-service award was also presented to Jackie and George Duncan who live in Grange, near Keith. They have cared for four, three of who have been in permanent placements with them for the last nine years, and always ensure that the young people in their care realise their potential and have their needs met and voices heard.
Avril continued: โIt is without question that their service is truly appreciated.ย The care, support and nurture Alison and Gordon have provided over the last 10 years have been truly remarkable.
โJackie and Georgeโs commitment and enthusiasm to raising awareness of childrenโs individuals needs, particularly around fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, has not only been very supportive to young people in their care but has also inspired carers, social workers and health professionals to raise awareness. Their devotion and contributions around this has had a positive influence on developments within Morayโs Fostering Service.โ
Allย foster carers were thankedย for the contribution they make to the communityย of Moray by Carl Campbell,ย Social Work Service Manager forย Children & Families,ย who highlighted the continuing need for more people to take on the role.
“Foster care makes a real difference to children and young peopleโs lives. We are fortunate in Moray to have the support of so many amazing foster carers who are committed to providing safe and nurturing homes where our young people can develop, thrive and reach their potential,โ he said.
โThe work they do is highly valued and much appreciated and we hope to encourage more people to consider if becoming a foster carer might be right for them.โ
Fostering gives a stable family life to children who can’t live at home. Children and young people may need fostered for a few days or weeks, a few months or until they reach independence, so there are different ways you can help depending on your lifestyle and family circumstances.
To be a foster carer you must be at least 18 and be emotionally, physically and financially stable. Other than that, there are no hard and fast rules about who can foster. You can be:
- single, married, divorced, or living together
- in a same sex relationship
- from any ethnic or religious background
- a homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- employed or on benefits
- already a parent
- living with a disability
Foster carers need to be warm, patient, understanding and flexible and have the ability to care for children safely. What they have in common is room in their lives, hearts and homes for children that need their care. The Placement Services Team will be there to support you every step of the way and youโll receive an allowance throughout your fostering career.
If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Children and Familiesย fostering pagesย on the Moray Council website at www.moray.gov.uk/fostering, call the team on 01343 563568 or emailย DutyPlacementServices@moray.gov.uk.
