Kent celebrates record-breaking fostering awards ceremony

Kent County Council (KCC) proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of its fostering community at this year’s ‘Fostering for Kent’ Awards, held to recognise the extraordinary commitment of foster carers, special guardians, supported homes hosts and staff.

KCC Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, Chris Palmer opened proceedings by paying tribute to everyone involved in ‘Fostering for Kent’: “I know the judging panel faced a difficult task in selecting the winners. Every nomination reflected the extraordinary commitment and compassion our outstanding foster carers demonstrate in striving to achieve the very best for the children and young people in their care. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of them. These awards remind us of the inspirational work they do to provide safe, loving homes for some of our most vulnerable children. For that, I offer them all my sincere thanks.”

Alongside Chairman of Kent County Council, Richard Palmer,they presented certificates and hampers to award recipients across 20 categories acknowledging the unwavering devotion to supporting children and young people across the county.

The annual ceremony, now more significant than ever, saw a record-breaking 359 nominations – the highest to date. These nominations highlighted individuals and teams who consistently go above and beyond to provide safe, loving homes and support to some of Kent’s most vulnerable children. The judging panel faced a challenging task, with each nomination reflecting the compassion and dedication that defines Kent’s fostering community.

This year’s winners received certificates and food hampers. Among the recipients were Nicky and Chris Johnson, who were presented with the Outstanding Care of Children award by Caroline Smith, Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting. Caroline described them as “carers who truly represent what it means to be an exceptional foster carer,” noting their dedication and the profound impact they have had on children’s lives and the wider fostering community.

Paul and Pauline Webster were honoured twice: first, for Outstanding Care of Children by Kinship Carers, with Mark Vening, Head of Fostering and Kinship, commending their selfless commitment and the stability, love, and family they have offered to two young siblings. The couple also received the VSK Participation Award from Virtual School Kent, recognising their efforts to ensure children’s voices and rights are always heard and valued.

Tracy and Simon Scott were awarded for Outstanding Contribution to the Fostering Service by Maria Cordrey, Head of Fostering at KCC. Maria praised the couple for consistently going above and beyond, both for the children in their care and for their colleagues. Their nurturing home has supported three unique girls, with their advocacy and understanding ensuring each child receives the support they need.

Julie and David Bowles received the Long-Term Contribution to Fostering award, marking over thirty years of dedication during which they have cared for more than fifty children. For them, fostering is a way of life, with many young people maintaining lifelong connections and returning for support and guidance.

This year’s ceremony also introduced new award categories for Kinship Carers including Special Guardians – family members who step forward to provide stability and love, often in challenging circumstances. The Special Guardian Advocacy Award was presented to Rebecca Dopson, whose steadfast commitment and advocacy have ensured the best outcomes for the child in her care.

The final awards recognised KCC staff, with Council Leader Linden Kemkaran presenting honours to three exceptional staff members for their unwavering support of children in care and their carers. Linden highlighted the extraordinary difference their dedication has made across Kent.