A WOMAN who has devoted three decades of her life to children and young people has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Jan Rees, who is the co-founder of the Foster Care Associates and executive director of Core Assets Children’s Services Group, both Bromsgrove-based, was recognised for Services to Children and Families after she was nominated by her staff.
She said: “It is a great surprise and a great honour to receive this recognition.
“I have always been extremely passionate about what I do, but there are many others in our organisation who feel the same way, including the many foster carers, social workers and indeed care leavers who dedicate their lives to helping improve the life chances for so many children and young people who find themselves in difficult and challenging circumstances.”
Jan worked as a playgroup worker and in nurseries as well being a fosterer and adopter before she established the agency, which now helps thousands of children with specialist support.
She later created a charity called The Rees Foundation to help those leaving the foster care system.
David Oldham, chief executive for Foster Care Associates, said: “Jan has been an inspiration to all who work with her and the many thousands of foster carers that have been part of the Foster Care Associates family.
“Her passion for helping children and young people to achieve their full potential, whatever their circumstances, has helped shape the organisation’s vision and ambition to make a positive and lasting difference to children and families not just in the UK but around the world.”
