On 22 January 2026, Surrey County Council’s Fostering Service held its annual Winter Ball, bringing together foster carers, senior leaders and partners to recognise the vital role foster carers play in supporting children and young people across Surrey.

During 2025, the fostering service supported 578 children, providing care and stability at crucial times in their lives. Over the past 18 months, the Council has been delighted to welcome 56 general foster carers, 59 kinship carers and two supported lodging carers into its fostering community.

The Winter Ball marked the introduction of the Foster Carer Recognition Awards, launched for the first time this year to celebrate the valuable contribution these individuals make to the lives of the Surrey children they take into their homes. A total of 48 nominations were received, with nominations submitted by children and care leavers, children’s social workers, and Independent Reviewing Officers. These glowing nominations included references to carers being dedicated, caring, committed, professional, nurturing and kind.

Three Foster Carer of the Year awards and three honourable mentions were presented by Cllr Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council, and Cllr Jonathan Hulley, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning.

A particularly heartfelt moment was a special acknowledgement of Barbara, who has been a foster carer with Surrey County Council for an extraordinary 59 years. Across nearly six decades, Barbara has cared for numerous children—many of whom have gone on to return home safely or to thrive within the care system.

A 25 Years’ Long Service Award was also presented to Claire Fry in recognition of her extraordinary, continued commitment to fostering. Claire began fostering in 1999, alongside her late husband Brett, and together they provided care, stability and a welcoming home to many children who needed safety and understanding. Brett’s contribution and memory remain an important part of this journey, and both were acknowledged for the lasting impact of their fostering legacy.

At the Winter Ball, Claire shared her experience with fostering: “For me, fostering is about when they come back to you … One of my children; I had him when he was three, and now he’s 19. He still comes back to me and visits and it’s amazing because I can see he’s grown to a lovely man. It’s amazing. I love my job.” 

Jonathan Hulley, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “The awards evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the consistent and life‑changing commitment our carers show every single day.

“The impact of fostering on the lives of children who experience it cannot be overstated. Our foster carers are the foundation of everything we do. Systems and services matter, but it is carers who step forward in children’s most vulnerable moments and make stability and belonging possible. I am delighted to have been able to attend and take part in this event recognising our incredible Surrey foster carers.”

Councillor Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council, said: “Foster carers across Surrey give children safety, trust and hope for the future. The awards evening is a small but important way of saying thank you to them.”