An impressive 348 nominations for foster carers, Kent Support Homes Hosts and staff, the highest in the awards’ 15-year history, were received.
A total of 35 accolades spanning 20 categories were then presented at a packed event in Maidstone, raising the bar for the most honours ever given at the annual awards.
“All nominations highlighted the extraordinary work you undertake daily where you strive to achieve the very best for those children in your care”
Opening proceedings, KCC Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services, Sue Chandler, paid tribute to everyone involved in ‘Fostering for Kent’.
Sue said: “As you can imagine it was not an easy task for the Judging Panel to select this year’s winners. All nominations highlighted the extraordinary work you undertake daily where you strive to achieve the very best for those children in your care. I would like to pass on my congratulations to each and every one of you. You provide our most vulnerable children with safe and loving homes for which I offer you my sincere thanks.”
Winners received a certificate and food hamper, and Kerry and Martin Rowden were among the recipients. Presenting their award for Outstanding Care of Disabled Children, Caroline Smith, Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting, said: “The couple have given life-changing care to 12-year-old twin boys with profound autism and severe learning disabilities, helping them transition from residential care into a much-needed family home through our Step Across to Fostering Scheme.”
Maria and Mick Sedge were honoured for Outstanding Care of Children by Kinship Carers. Presenting their award, Mark Vening, Head of Fostering and Kinship, said: “Experiencing their first year as approved kinship foster carers, the couple have worked fantastically well as a team to provide a loving home for their three grandchildren.”
Maria Cordrey, Head of Fostering at KCC selected Nicky and Jason Marshall to receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Fostering Service. Maria said the couple had: “gone above and beyond with the children living with them and also in supporting other children and foster carers wherever possible.” They had “a depth of compassion and warmth for everyone who they come into contact with.”
Pamela Barrow-Jones was presented with the Long-Term Contribution to Fostering award. Pam was described as “an outstanding foster carer who had been fostering since August 1995, looking after around 106 different children…a remarkable achievement.”
Jo Prime was recognised as an 'exemplary foster carer'
The Special Award in Memory of Ann Allen for Outstanding Outcomes for Children and Young People went to Jo Prime.
Caroline Smith, presenting, said former KCC Chair Ann, who sadly passed away in 2021, was “very greatly missed by the fostering service and our children and young people because she was such a strong advocate for them all”. Caroline added: “Jo is an exemplary foster carer, using her deep understanding of trauma, warmth, calm demeanour and endless patience to turn a teenager’s life around.”
The final two awards of the event went to KCC staff. Sarah Hammond, Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, presenting, said all three staff had worked tirelessly to go above and beyond to support fostering.
- KCC urgently needs more foster carers in all areas of Kent and would welcome applications to join our fostering community.
- For more information, visit www.kentfostering.co.uk
