Sheffield based Nazma Liaqat, a participating member of the Foster Care Associates (FCA) has been nominated for the ‘Children’s Champion Award’ for ‘making a significant impact in championing the needs and rights of vulnerable children’ at the prestigious National Children and Young People Awards.
The annual awards celebrate excellence in care for children, young people and families, showcasing innovation and best practice and paying tribute to those individuals or organisations that excel in quality care provision.
Recognising the role of the participation officer in providing high quality care and support for children, young people and families, Nazma has been shortlisted for specifically supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), and helping them acclimatise to a life in foster care within the UK.
Nazma, who also won at these awards in 2021 expressed her gratitude and excitement about the nomination and said: “I am incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for a second time at the National Children and Young People Awards.
“It’s great recognition of the hard work and passion I have put into ensuring that our children and young people feel comfortable in the UK and cared for.”
Melanie Murphy, registered manager at FCA Yorkshire and Lincolnshire said: “Nazma is an exceptional member of our team and her nomination for these awards is well-deserved.
“She consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that the children and young people we support are well looked after and have all the resources they need.
“Nazma’s attention to detail and compassionate approach creates an atmosphere that fosters wellbeing and happiness among our children. We are proud to have her as part of our team.
“The entire FCA community wishes Nazma the best of luck at the awards.”
The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in care has grown by 34 per cent over the past year, driving the latest increase in the care population.
Nazma added: “It’s easy to forget that these children haven’t chosen this life. They’ve usually come from extremely challenging situations that many of us can’t even begin to imagine.
“As a nation we need to get behind these children and young people by listening to their stories and helping them achieve their dreams.”
With numbers continuing to rise significantly, more foster parents are needed in the UK to help look after these children and young people.
The awards ceremony will take place on 21 October 2023, at the ICC, Birmingham and will be attended by individuals and organisations across the care sector, all of which are dedicated to continually improving the lives and outcomes of children in care.