Moray foster carers celebrated at long service awards ceremony

A group of dedicated foster carers has been celebrated at a ceremony for the life-changing role they play in supporting children and young people.

The event, held in Elgin as part of Foster Care Fortnight, recognised carers from six fostering households who have each devoted between five and 10 years of service.

Long service awards were presented by Jim Lyon, interim chief social work officer for Moray and head of service for Health and Social Care Moray (HSCM), which manages local services for children and families.

Among those recognised was Julie Minty from Forres, who began her fostering journey by chance and has provided a caring and stable home to eight children and young people over the last 10 years.

Julie said: “I hadn’t even thought about fostering when I approached the service to ask about support for a young person I knew who was going through a difficult time. I was asked if I would consider becoming a foster carer and I’ve never looked back.

“It has opened up a whole new world to me of what might be going on behind the scenes in a child’s life.

“The training helped me to feel prepared and the ongoing support I get from my social work team has been second to none. You’re never alone and I always feel supported and able to ask any questions.

“There are different types of fostering and I’ve loved both long-term fostering and short breaks.

“You find what works for you and how you can make it work for the children in your care.”

Emma Plain, who lives in Duffus with her partner Ken Treacy, was presented with a five year long-service award.

Since 2020, they have fostered 15 children and young people – with their busy household described as always being full of fun and laughter.

Yvonne Copland, who lives in Elgin, has fostered 16 children over the past five years and as she was presented with her long-service award, was praised for being “always ready to step in and help out” and for her contribution to the service.

Also recognised but unable to attend the ceremony in person were Stuart and Susan Gardiner who moved from Elgin to Stornoway and Iain and Andrew Riddoch-Allan, who live in Lossiemouth, who have all been foster carers for 10 years.

A five year long-service award has been achieved by Heather and Stewart Riddoch, Newmill, Keith.

Last year, the fostering service saw a higher than average number of children in need of care.

Currently, there are 38 fostering households in Moray, but more are required to meet demand and ensure children can stay close to the people and places they know.

Mr Lyon said it was a privilege to attend the event and have the opportunity to personally thank the foster carers who are the “heart and soul” of the service.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the celebrations and hear directly from carers about their experiences. Their dedication and care make an enormous difference in the lives of young people,” he said.

“They are doing the most important thing on behalf of us as corporate parents – raising our children. It’s a unique and invaluable role which transforms young lives. They are role models for our community.”

Mr Lyon also spoke to the important role birth children play in welcoming foster children into their families.

“The warmth and understanding you show is remarkable and I also want to thank you for working with us,” he said.

“We’re always looking for more people and families in Moray who can provide a safe and loving home to a child in care at a time when they need it most.

“When a Moray child or young person is fostered by someone living here, they’re more likely to stay at the same school, remain connected to their family and friends, and continue to grow up in the community they call home. That’s why local foster carers are so important.”

Councillor Elaine Kirby, chairwoman of Moray Integration Joint Board which oversees the HSCM partnership, expressed her thanks to the foster carers.

She said: “Every child deserves a safe and stable start to life. I’m incredibly grateful to the fantastic foster carers in Moray who provide nurturing homes to children who, for whatever reason, can’t live with their birth families.

“Foster Care Fortnight is a time not only to celebrate our foster carers, but to encourage others to start their fostering journey. Foster carers are urgently needed in Moray so that every child can grow up in a loving and supportive environment.”

There is no such thing as a typical foster carer and there are many different ways to foster, from full-time care to respite care, making it flexible and accessible for all kinds of people.

To find out how to foster, call 01343 563568 to speak to the Moray Council team, or send an email to DutyPlacementServices@moray.gov.uk.

People can find more information about who can foster, types of foster care, training, support and allowances on the fostering pages of the local authority’s website.