Leading children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland has issued a fresh appeal for new foster carers to come forward after recruitment figures have revealed that the country faces a shortfall of 500 foster families.
Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Although the number of children going into care in Scotland is decreasing, we continue to experience a shortage of foster carers, leaving hundreds of children without a safe and loving home.
“No child should suffer as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, and we strongly believe that any loving person can make a wonderful foster parent to a child in need. We offer support and training every step of the way and, on average, a payment of £495 per week, per child is available.”
One person eager to discuss the many positives of fostering is Carol Jean McInnes, 60, who lives in Cumnock, in East Ayrshire. Carol found her way into becoming a foster carer after retiring as a mental health nurse. During her career, she had nursed many individuals who had experienced childhood trauma and had been in the care system.
Carol felt that most had not had a positive experience, so she was keen to make a difference, as she explains: “I chose to be a foster carer because I wanted to make a difference to a child’s life and give them lots of positive experiences. I find fostering hugely rewarding. To see a child come to you with low self-esteem and then blossom into a confident young teenager is just priceless.
“I chose to be a foster carer with Barnardo’s as they had been going for years and always got a good name, and I would encourage anyone who has a big heart and a spare bedroom to consider fostering. You are giving a child an amazing gift of security, self-worth and belonging, and the positives far outweigh any negatives in my experience.”
Mr Crewe added: “At Barnardo’s Scotland, we are committed to keeping The Promise to care-experienced young people and to ensure every child in Scotland grows up safe, loved and respected. That is why we are calling on people to consider joining Barnardo’s Scotland as a foster carer. We have more than 80 years of experience of successfully placing children and young people with families, and there are many benefits of being a carer with us.
“For example, you will be supported with a thorough child and carer matching process, as well as out-of-hours advice and a support line service provided by our social work team. There are regular support groups and family social events, held to enable carers to meet our team and other local carers, along with a high level of professional training and development, relevant to each specific young person placed.”
Barnardo’s Scotland works to support all children, regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour, with the purpose of transforming their lives for the better. The charity has a reputation for providing excellent support to its carers and, accordingly, few of the young people living with their carers experience a breakdown in their care.
All foster carers receive a daily allowance which is designed to cover the cost of caring for a fostered child. This is intended to cover food, clothes, toys, pocket money, gifts, personal items, transport and all other expenses incurred when looking after a child and/or young person, including household costs.
For more information on becoming a foster carer with Barnardo’s Scotland, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster, or to talk to someone on the telephone, please call 0800 0277 280. The charity’s lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
Barnardo’s Scotland supports children, young people and their families in more than 125 specialised community-based services across the country. The charity works to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. To find out more or donate, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/change-life.