Buckinghamshire celebrates foster carers who are changing children's lives every day

The annual Foster Carer Awards brought together our Foster with Bucks community to recognise the dedication, compassion and commitment of foster carers who provide safe and nurturing homes for Buckinghamshire children. Held on 25 September, the event celebrated the life-changing difference foster carers make to local children and young people every day.

For many foster carers, fostering is more than providing a home. It is about helping a child build confidence, create happy memories, feel part of a family and enables them to achieve their potential.

The awards recognised a range of achievements, including Best Newcomer, Respite and Short Breaks Carer of the Year, Family and Friends Foster Carer of the Year and the prestigious Willow Award, which celebrates exceptional courage, dedication and resilience. Long-service awards were also presented to foster carers who have dedicated years to supporting local children and young people.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to ensuring our looked after children can remain close to their schools, friends and communities wherever possible. With more than 500 children in Buckinghamshire needing safe, caring and supportive homes, the council is encouraging more local people to consider whether fostering could be right for them and the life-changing difference they could make to a child’s future.

Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, said:

"Our foster carers are some of the most inspiring people you could meet. They open their homes and hearts to children who need support, stability and encouragement, helping them to build brighter futures.

"As a council, we are ambitious for every child. We are constantly looking at new ways to provide the best possible support for children and young people, and our foster carers are central to that mission. They help us ensure children can stay connected to the people, places and communities which matter most to them. Buckinghamshire Council will continue to support our foster carers in their vital role.

"Our foster carers change lives. Fostering transforms outcomes for children and young people, but many foster carers also tell us it has enriched their own lives and families in ways they never imagined. I encourage anyone who has considered fostering to get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you."

One of this year's award winners, Lisa, who received the Outstanding Contribution Award, has been fostering for more than 12 years.

She said:

"We have been a fostering family for over 12 years and it has become part of who we are. Every child who comes to us is loved, valued and supported. Watching a child grow in confidence and knowing you've played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding. Fostering is a privilege and we feel very fortunate to be part of a child's story."

Buckinghamshire Council has developed a strong fostering community where carers are never on their own. Foster carers receive extensive training, round-the-clock professional support, access to local networks and highly competitive financial allowances. The council also offers a benefits package worth around £13,000 to support fostering households.

Whether you are single, married, working, retired, have children of your own or have never parented before, fostering may be more accessible than you think.

If you'd like to find out how you could make a lasting difference to a local child's life, visit the Foster with Bucks website, speak to the friendly fostering team or attend an upcoming information event.