Bermuda’s foster parents were celebrated this weekend at a special ceremony hosted by the Department of Family and Services.

The ceremony at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess was highlighted by the presentation of long-service awards to three foster parents, who have collectively served for more than 75 years.

And the event on Sunday included a presentation by guest speaker Cedric McKenzie, who detailed his own experiences in the Arkansas foster care system.

Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott thanked the foster parents for their dedication to the Island’s youth, noting that 70 young Bermudians are currently in the Island’s foster care system.

“It is such an unselfish act to open your home to provide a safe, caring environment for a child,” Mr Scott said. “Foster children need families, they all have one thing in common; they need families to love and care for them.

“I am sure the journey of foster parenting is not without adventure. It is not for the faint of heart. It is a definite challenge but we acknowledge the significant role you have in the lives of children who are in need. What you do today for these children does reap tremendous rewards for the child, their families and our community.”

“Foster children come from a variety of family circumstances and they range in ages. And for whatever reason a child is placed in foster care, we salute our foster parents who are making every effort to fill the void, to plug in the gap.”