Published on:
12
June 2009
Some of Clackmannanshire's most inspiring people are to recognised for their outstanding efforts at a special event this month.
Provost Derek Stewart is inviting foster carers to attend a Civic Reception in recognition of the vital role they play.
Provost Stewart said: "This event aims to highlight the important role foster carers play. Clackmannanshire Council relies on a fantastic group of foster carers to support and care for vulnerable children. As well as being a chance to thank our foster carers, I'm also hoping that this event will raise awareness and help attract people who can work with the Council to build better futures for children in Clackmannanshire.
"Being a foster carer can be an incredible rewarding role and we are always looking to attract new carers and to retain those who provide this vital service. Children thrive in families and finding people who can offer local children a loving family home can be difficult - so the more we can do to show our foster carers how much the Council appreciates them, the better."
The Civic Reception takes place on Friday 19th June at the Dunmar House Hotel, Alloa, from 7pm. You are invited to send a reporter/photographer.
Presentations will be made to foster carers who have made an outstanding contribution over the years.
Among those receiving retiral gifts are: Rita Black, who is retiring after 18 years as a foster carer during which time she has cared for more than 50 children; Bil and Valerie Mitchell, who were carers for over 15 years. Among the 20 children they cared for, was a boy who continues to live with them though he is now a young adult; Helenor Wilson who fostered over 200 children over a 35 years period; Betty Struthers, who is retiring after over 15 years as a foster carer and cared for more than 25 children; Sylvia and Andrew Sneddon, who is retiring after 14 years as a foster carer. This couple were foster carers with the teenage fostering scheme from 1995 before moving onto temporary fostering in 1999 and have cared for more than 20 children.
Awards will be presented to foster carers with more than 20 years' service and more than 10 years' service.
Second presentations will be made to Katie Reilly, Susan Green, Doreen Miller and Gordon Shanks who have recently completed their portfolios. The portfolio is evidence of foster carers skills, knowledge and abilities and how they are progressing. Katie has progressed from level 1 to 2 and Susan has progressed from level 2 to 3. Level 3 is the highest level and shows that foster carers are able to care for children with more complex needs.
There are currently 22 foster families in Clackmannanshire looking after 76 foster children. Clackmannanshire Council estimates that we need at least 12 more people to come forward and foster children in the year ahead.