Shortage of foster families to provide support, stability and love

Tomorrow sees the start of Foster Care Fortnight, an annual campaign highlighting how the foster care system can help transform lives.

This year’s campaign sees a number of agencies across Scotland and the UK come together to celebrate the moments that build confidence, make young people feel safe and create memories.

There is currently a shortage of foster carers. Latest figures show that 3,927 children in Scotland live with foster families, of which there are around 3,261 approved, but hundreds more are needed each year.

Sarah Thomas, chief executive of leading charity The Fostering Network, said: “Fostering families are a lifeline to children and young people in need of a home, providing them support, stability and love.

“Children and young people need local foster carers who are equipped to meet all of their needs.

“We urgently need more foster carers to ensure children and young people are cared for in the right home for them.”

Sara Lovelock, chief operating officer of Dundee-based foster agency Carolina House Trust, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is about highlighting things like the first time a young person calls you mum or dad, or that they can get the bus on their own because of work the fostering family has done.

“We continue to have around 80 young people referred to us every month. We have no vacancies, so we really need to recruit. The only requirements for us are that you have a spare room and you’re over 21. There’s rigorous training, a huge amount of support 24/7.

“It’s a big leap to make, particularly at the moment, but it’s worthwhile.”