Cllr Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, congratulates Barnet foster carers.
Nine of Barnet’s foster carers have been presented with an award, in recognition of their five years’ service to the borough’s children and young people.
Awards were presented to nine foster carers, including:
Devora and Reuben Judah
Devora and Reuben have been approved Barnet foster carers since December 2022. During this time, they have cared for two babies, providing each child with a safe, nurturing and positive lived experience. They have played a key role in the successful transition of one baby to adoptive carers, demonstrating professionalism, sensitivity and a strong child‑centred approach. They have also been thoughtful in building memories for the babies’ life story work, taking photos and videos and speaking with great affection about the children they have cared for.
Euginia Lolomari
Euginia has been an approved Barnet foster carer for the past five years. During this time, she provided a safe, nurturing, and welcoming home environment in which her young person has been able to thrive. Through Euginia’s care, encouragement, and support, the child she cared for has developed into a confident and capable young adult, able to overcome challenges and pursue her interests. This support has played a key role in her progressing to university, where she is now successfully studying a subject she is passionate about and contributing positively by supporting others.
Sonia and Terence McNeil
Sonia and Terence have been approved Barnet foster carers since December 2020 and have since provided exceptional care to the child placed with them. They have encouraged the child to ‘dream big’ and have no limitations and ensure that he feels that his views are listened to and respected by the carers, thus supporting development of confidence, and self-assurance. Sonia and Terence are passionate in wanting to expose him to endless opportunities.
Vicky and Vincent Pickering
Vicky and Vincent have been approved Barnet foster carers since December 2020. During this time, they have been permanently matched with a foster child, providing her with a loving, stable, and nurturing home. The couple have supported the child’s emotional development and help build her confidence and self-esteem, actively helping to promote her cultural identity, while sensitively supporting and maintaining her contact with her birth family.
This year’s event, which was held at the Old Ford Manor Golf Club, was attended by 30 foster carers. They were joined by fostering service staff, and Cllr Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.
A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We work with amazing foster carers who provide love and care to children who, for many different reasons, are not able to be with their families.
“Every day, we hear about what Barnet carers are doing, going the extra mile and advocating for young people and children in care passionately. They are an inspiration to us all.
“More carers are needed, so that every child or young person who can’t live with their family is cared for in a loving, safe family within their community.
“We would like to thank all our foster carers who have been recognised today, for your dedication and holistic care that you provide to Barnet’s children. Your commitment makes a real and lasting difference.”
Barnet’s foster carers provide caring homes for over 300 children, however, there still remains a shortage of foster carers in the borough, and the council is looking to encourage more local people to take up the role.
Over the last two years, Barnet has run successful recruitment campaigns which led to the department meeting its target of 10 new foster carers per year.
A generous financial and support package is available to foster carers in Barnet. Once approved, carers can receive up to £581 per week and the offer includes 24/7 support, extensive training, a dedicated social worker and peer support.
Join our fostering community today and see how you can change a child’s life. Email: fostering@barnet.gov.uk