Foster carers honoured at awards

City of Wolverhampton Council said there were still many young people needing a foster home

Foster carers in Wolverhampton have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony hosted by the city council.

More than 100 people attended the event at Molineux Stadium.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, said it was a "privilege to recognise the incredible contributions of our dedicated foster parents".

Among those honoured were Dulcie and Dave Phoenix, who were retiring after 23 years of fostering.

Mrs Phoenix said: "If we were asked if we'd do 23 years again, our answer would be an unequivocal yes!

"We have seen the children we've looked after thrive and strive, and they have become productive adults, which makes it all worthwhile."

Coogan said that while the city was lucky to have fosterers who provided "loving care to our most vulnerable children and young people" there were "still many young people in need of a permanent foster home".

"I encourage anyone who has ever thought about fostering to reach out to our Fostering for Wolverhampton team to learn more about how they can make a lasting difference," she said.