Caring for our future
08/05/08
More foster carers are needed to look after Aberdeen's children and young people.
The City Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service is currently experiencing a lack of foster carers, and will be urging people to consider the idea of fostering as part of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from Monday, 12 May until 25 May.
Aberdeen City Council care officers will be joining the UK-wide campaign to encourage people to put themselves forward as potential foster carers.
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight, which is co-ordinated by charity the Fostering Network, will encourage potential carers to realise they may already share the same qualities as current foster parents, and that those are the basis for becoming a great foster carer.
The City Council is trying to recruit more foster carers for children of all ages, and is using the campaign – under the heading: “Fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got” - to show people how to take the next step if they are interested in fostering.
The commitment of foster carers in Aberdeen has helped to provide a safe and happy environment for many children who cannot be cared for by their families. The demand for foster carers in Aberdeen, as it has throughout Scotland, has grown over the years.
The City requires a number of carers for all ranges of children, but particularly for teenagers and sibling groups.
Aberdeen City Council Children’s Services Manager Graeme Simpson said: “The contribution of foster carers has not always been recognised. The lives of many children have undoubtedly been enhanced by the care support and understanding shown by foster carers.
“I would encourage anybody who has thought about becoming a foster carer to contact us to discuss their interest further, as well as learn of the support and rewards available to them.”
The City’s Fostering and Adoption Services welcomes applications from individuals and families from all parts of the community, and all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of marital status, employment, gender, or disability.
Aberdeen City Council operates a Payment for Skills scheme, whereby foster carers receive a fee, linked to recognised skills and knowledge, in addition to an allowance for each child they care for, along with a training and support programme. The new Level for Payment for Skills Scheme will be launched at the Thistle Hotel in Altens on Monday, 12 May.
Anyone who wants more information about fostering should call 01224 793830, visit the fostering and adoption section of the City Council website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk, or call into the adoption and fostering office at 77-79 King Street, Aberdeen.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
