Satbinder Bains fosters with ‘Fostering for Wolverhampton’, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s fostering service. She has welcomed more than 30 children into her home over the past 19 years, providing them with stability, care and the opportunity to thrive.

The honour follows a nomination made by her son and reflects the profound impact Satbinder’s fostering journey has had on both the children she has cared for and her own family.

Satbinder’s MBE not only highlights her own contribution to fostering but also signifies the dedication of foster parents across Wolverhampton who support children and young people every day.

The city is proud of the many foster parents who make a lasting difference, and this achievement stands alongside the commitment and compassion shown across the wider fostering community.

Satbinder’s story also highlights the importance of representation in fostering: children in care benefit from living with families who can understand and reflect their cultural backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

Her achievement helps demonstrate that fostering is for people from all walks of life and that increasing diversity among foster parents is key to meeting the needs of children locally.

Across England, more than 80,000 children are currently in care, and more foster families are urgently needed to ensure young people can remain close to their communities, schools and support networks.

Fostering locally with a council service like Fostering for Wolverhampton helps children stay connected to the people and places that matter most to them, providing greater stability during challenging times.

Foster parents also benefit from being part of a local network, working closely with dedicated teams who understand the needs of children in the city and are committed to supporting both carers and the children in their care.

Satbinder, who lives in Walsall, said: “Receiving this honour was a real shock to me. I feel proud to accept it on behalf of all the children I’ve cared for over the years, as well as my family who have supported me throughout my fostering journey.

“Seeing children grow, feel loved and go on to thrive is what fostering is all about, and I hope my story encourages others to consider making a difference in a child’s life.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Satbinder’s MBE is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for Wolverhampton. It highlights the real and lasting difference foster parents make to children’s lives, often during some of their most challenging times.

“We want more people from across our communities to consider fostering so that children can stay locally, maintain their connections and feel a true sense of belonging. As a council, we are committed to providing the support and guidance foster parents need to succeed and make a positive impact.”

It is hoped that Satbinder’s well-deserved national recognition will help to emphasise the positive benefits of fostering, encourage more people to take their first steps towards making a real difference to the lives of those children who need it while being supported every step of the way by a dedicated local team.

For more information about Fostering for Wolverhampton, please visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com, www.facebook.com/fosteringforwolves and www.instagram.com/fosteringforwolves or call 01902 551133.