Islington’s adoption and fostering manager receives British Empire Medal

Susanna Daus, who is also a trustee of The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year and was presented with the medal by Kenneth Olisa, Lord Lieutenant for London.

The event took place in the Tower of London's New Armouries, where Susanna mingled with other recipients from across the country. Originally a military award, this honour now recognises those who have given their time and service to their community.

Susanna said: “I had a great day at the Tower of London, meeting the other medal winners and hearing about the amazing contributions they were making to their community.

“I really enjoy working in Islington where everyone works hard to give all children the best chance in life. This medal gives me the opportunity to highlight that we really need more foster carers for teenagers and brothers and sisters, as well as adopters for young children.”

Susanna, who started her career as a social worker in Merton, south London, has worked for Islington Council for 13 years. She has been involved with The Fostering Network for a number of years and as a trustee has discussed adoption policy with the then Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 and welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge to afternoon tea with 50 Islington foster carers at the centre in 2015.

At any one time there are about 180 children and care leavers benefitting from Islington’s fostering service, including 52 “friends and family” foster care arrangements. There are around 150 foster carers on the service’s books. Eight children were adopted last year in Islington, and 37 went into special guardianship arrangements. Islington is always looking for supported lodgings for young people and care leavers who need a bit of extra help, and short breaks carers for disabled children.

For more information on fostering and adoption in Islington, see our adoption and fostering pages.