Kay Jackson, a prominent member of the fostering community in Scotland and foster carer with Barnardo’s Scotland fostering service, has been awarded The Fostering Network’s President’s Award. The award, which is part of The Fostering Network’s Fostering Excellence Awards, recognises Kay’s outstanding contribution to fostering over more than quarter of a century.

Kay, who fosters with her husband David, has provided a loving and stable home for many children and young people for as long as they have needed one and continues to be in touch with them throughout their adult lives. In addition, Kay motivates and supports others involved with fostering and contributes to the national fostering debate by informing legislation and policy decisions at the highest level.

Kay has a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience which she shares through her role as a foster carer and the many other roles for which she puts herself forward.

She delivers a range of courses to foster carers across Scotland, and has been a long-standing member of The Fostering Network’s Advisory Committee in Scotland. Kay also currently represents independent and voluntary fostering providers on the Scottish Government’s Independent Care Review.

Kay takes every opportunity to share her passion and enthusiasm for fostering with the wider public. For example, she gives media interviews, delivers workshops and presents at events.

Kay said: ‘I was surprised and humbled to be nominated for such an award. Fostering is, and has been, part of our lives for such a long time. The children and young people, the exceptional foster carers we meet, The Fostering Network, and all the other team members who work tirelessly every day, should also be recognised for the fantastic work they do in improving the lives of the young people who are looked after away from their families. Our lives have been filled with love, laughter and challenges and we wouldn’t want it any other way.’

President of The Fostering Network, Libby Thornhill, said: ‘I am delighted to be able to present Kay with this award. Kay is just phenomenal. Her enthusiasm, willingness and commitment to improve the lives of children in foster care is incredible.'

Nathan, a young man that Kay is fostering long term, said: ‘I am so glad Kay won this award because she has worked hard fostering children and taking care of us.’

Kay’s husband, David Chisholm, said: ‘This award is well-deserved. She is enthusiastic and passionate in everything she undertakes and has made my transition from architect to foster carer very easy. I am proud to share the place she occupies at the heart of our fostering family.’

Kay will be joining other winners from around the UK at The Fostering Network’s annual Fostering Excellence Awards ceremony in London next month.
Find out more about fostering at thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/allaboutfostering

[Photo L-R: Libby Thornhill, Kay Jackson, Sara Lurie - director of The Fostering Network in Scotland]