There is a special group of Territorians who every day are making an enormous difference by opening their homes and hearts to some of our community’s most vulnerable children and young people.

Territorians will have the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contributions made by foster and kinship carers who support and care for children and young people in care by nominating one of these unsung heroes for the 2017 NT Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards.

Territory Families Chief Executive Ken Davies says the Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity to ‘shine a spotlight’ on the individuals that make such a positive contribution to our foster and kinship community.

“These people include the foster and kinship carers, their families, social workers and others who work tirelessly to care for and support young Territorians so they can reach their full potential.

“This year we have expanded the Awards to celebrate more people involved in fulfilling the important role of supporting families and strengthening communities.

“There are now Award categories to celebrate the achievements of the young people themselves along with the efforts of Territory Families staff who often go above and beyond to ensure the needs and dreams of those in care are met,” Mr Davies said.

The Award categories are:

• Outstanding Contribution by a Foster Carer
  This award recognises a foster carer who has made an outstanding contribution to foster care.
• Outstanding Contribution by a Kinship Carer
  This award recognises a kinship carer who has made an outstanding contribution to kinship care.
• Outstanding Contribution by a Territory Families staff member
  This award recognises a Territory Families staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to a foster or kinship carer and their family.
• Outstanding Contribution by a Sibling
  This award celebrates a son, daughter or sibling group who has gone the extra mile in supporting a child or young person in foster or kinship care within their family.
• Young Person Achievement Award
  This award celebrates the achievements of a young person aged 18 – 30 who has been in foster or kinship care and is now achieving positive and inspirational things with their life. 

The Award ceremonies will be held during National Children’s Week from 21‑29 October 2017 in Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Representatives from Territory Families, Create and Foster Care Association Northern Territory will be members of the judging panels.

It’s easy to put in a nomination form, just download the form online here: www.territoryfamilies.nt.gov.au.

Nominations close on Friday, 6 October 2017.

Media contact Christine Bond: P: 8999 2940, M: 0475 953 571