<p>It’s our responsibility and duty to ensure that these children and young people in our care have safe, healthy and happy childhoods, with the necessary support to prepare for adult life.&nbsp;This is a big challenge for all councils as we continue to see increases in the number of child protection cases with reduced budgets and rising costs. </p> <p>Each year we organise the 'Hot Shots' awards ceremony to celebrate the personal and educational achievements of the children we look after in Telford and Wrekin. </p> <p>We’ve recently held our tenth 'Hot Shots' event at The Place in Oakengates. It’s something I always look forward to and again we had a fantastic turnout, with over 120 nominees taking part. </p> <p>To see these children and young people running up on to the stage and collecting their certificates is a truly humbling and moving experience and makes you forget all the politics and budgetary problems. </p> <p>As someone&nbsp;who grew up in a third world country, it makes me think of all the children in these countries&nbsp;who have&nbsp;no such provisions in place to look after them and eventually they end up sleeping rough&nbsp;on the streets or worse. </p> <p>The work this council and the community, through people like foster carers, does in looking after children in care is often unseen but absolutely vital and my thanks goes to everyone who helps give these youngsters in our borough the best possible start in life. <br /> </p>
