Victorian foster carers who have dedicated 20 or more years of care to vulnerable children were honoured at a Foster Care Celebration Day at Collingwood Children's Farm.

The event was organised by the Foster Care Association of Victoria, in partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, as an expression of appreciation and acknowledgement to all foster carers in Victoria.

The day highlighted the importance of valuing and supporting caregivers, who provide a vital service to the community.

Victorian Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary presented medals for 20 years of service to 42 Victorian families.

Between them, these carers had been fostering for more than 1,084 years and had cared for in excess of 4,000 children and young people.

President of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and Youth Substance Abuse Service Chief Executive Officer David Murray presented two Super Support Awards.

These were awarded to Anchor, a foster care provider in the Eastern Region, for its Carer to Carer program and to Claire Brunner for her work on the Mirror Families concept.

The intention of both programs is to provide carers with support to help them continue as foster carers.

Minister for Children Sherryl Garbutt presented 16 caregiver households with Certificates of Recognition for Outstanding Service, received on behalf of all caregivers in Victoria.

Ms Garbutt was presented with a picture designed by young people from the CREATE Foundation, as well as a picture decorated with the hand-prints of children in out-of-home care.

Both presentations were in recognition of the positive impact Ms Garbutt has made on the lives of children, young people and families in Victoria during her tenure as Minister for Children and Minister for Community Services.

The celebration day was attended by around 500 foster carers, children and families from across Victoria.

•           For more information about foster care contact the Victorian Foster Care Hotline on 1800 013 088.