Step Up Step Up - January 2014 | Page 12

PAGE 12 STEP UP Fostering Christmas cheer and jumping for joy ‘…It has been a superb end to an excellent year for both teams.’ In December Croydon Foster Carers Association (CFCA) held their annual Christmas party for Croydon’s children in care. This year there was a huge turnout with over 150 children. There was a mix of established Croydon foster carers, new carers and their birth children. As well as gifts from Santa, children’s entertainment, and food the fostering team presented prizes to the winners of their creative festive card design competition. The winning designs were printed and made into cards. Soon after the Croydon fostering and adoption teams took part in the charity abseil for Croydon Commitment whilst at the same time raising awareness of fostering and adoption in Croydon. Abseiling down the outside of the 250ft Taberner House was a huge challenge but staff from both teams encouraged each other to face their fear together. The staff who took part in the challenge said they were nervous but glad they did it for a worthwhile cause. Other members of the teams were there to cheer them on and hand out fostering and adoption information. After the abseil one team member said how mentally she felt so positive to have accomplished such an achievement and would now try anything. The teams are now thinking about what they can do together next year! It has been a superb end to an excellent year for both teams with the number of adoption and fostering families continuing to increase. Freephone: 0800 389 0129 www.croydon.gov.uk/fostering www.Croydon.gov.uk/adoption