To mark Foster Care Fortnight (12-26 May 2025), six members of Barking and Dagenham’s Foster Carer Association were invited to a special event attended by the Council Leader, Cllr Dominic Twomey, The Mayor, Cllr Moin Quadri and Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disability. 

The carers were sincerely thanked for their hard work and dedication and were able to give feedback on fostering to the council’s leadership. 

The Foster Carer Association support and advocate for the council’s 127 in-house foster care households. 

Barking and Dagenham Council offers its in-house foster carers round-the-clock support, high-level training for new and existing carers as well as competitive weekly payments. 

Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “Our foster carers always go above and beyond to make sure local children in need get the best start to life. 

“It was an absolute privilege to spend time talking to the borough’s Foster Carer Association and we remain committed to supporting them as much as we can.” 

Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disability, said: “Fostering is one of the most demanding jobs anyone can do, so I’m always thankful for the borough’s foster carers, they really are miracle workers. 

“We’re really proud of the support we offer to new and existing carers – and I encourage anyone thinking about starting the foster care journey to do it with Barking and Dagenham Council.” 

Find out more about Foster Care in Barking and Dagenham here. 

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual national celebration of Foster Carers. It is the UK’s biggest fostering awareness campaign.