As a parent myself, I know what it takes to keep a child occupied in the best of times. But these aren't the best of times and I know that you're working incredibly hard to keep our children occupied and thriving.

You're doing this in the most difficult of circumstances, so, our children aren't in school, they're not able to participate  in out-of-school activities, and you're also unlike any other parents, having to deal, perhaps, with some of the disappointment of our young people, who can't have access to the families and networks that they would normally have access to. You're also disconnected from your own networks, and you can't have that face-to-face contact which you might rely upon for extra support.

But I want to reassure you that we are here for you. The Council is here for you, just as you are here for us and the most vulnerable children in this borough. I want to thank you, on behalf of the Council, from the bottom of my heart for all the work that you're doing every single day and you're doing it in these most difficult circumstances but your approach to foster care,  and your commitment to our children in this borough is amazing. We know that you're there. We know you're doing an incredible job. You're doing an amazing job, every single day and we really really appreciate it.