The Department of Child and Family Services has honoured the island’s foster parents at their annual Foster Care Appreciation tea.

Sylvan Richards, the Minister of Social Development and Sport, said that during the month of May, the Department of Child and Family Service worked with its North American counterparts to raise awareness of the role of foster parents and acknowledge their hard work.

Speaking to 50 foster parents honoured during the ceremony, Mr Richards said: “Every child in foster care deserves the security and opportunity for growth that a family can provide. Further we know that a child’s success is best supported in a system that is family-focused, child-centered, and community-based.

“Working along with the Department of Child and Family Services, it cannot be understated the vital role you play in ensuring that children are safe and their voices are heard as we work for the success of every child.

“The ministry and the Department of Child and Family Services does not take it lightly the role that you play. We know that there would be no Foster Care Programme without foster parents.”

The ceremony also included a speech from motivational speaker, Pastor Dwayne Wescom, who was raised in the foster care system, and performances by the the Blues Beat Band and Ryan Bean.