Council in search of more foster carers

During fostering fortnight, which began on Monday, the council’s CHCP aims to bring potential foster families together with local children and teenagers in need.

Julie Murray, director of East Renfrewshire CHCP said: “If you are interested in helping children in need, have time and energy, a sense of humour and an ability to talk to children, the fostering team would like to hear from you.

“Our existing foster carers feel well supported and they will help you to learn about the challenges and rewards of caring for a child who has lived in difficult circumstances. You will receive training and social workers are available at all times to offer advice and support.”

Meanwhile, at an event at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Monday, Glasgow city council leader Gordon Matheson took the opportunity to thank more than 500 foster carers who live within the city.

In the past year, GCC’s families for children service recruited and approved 68 new foster carers to support vulnerable young people — the biggest single year annual rise since the council launched a sustained recruitment campaign in 2005.

Glasgow now has more foster carers than any other local authority in Scotland.

At this week’s celebration event, it was also announced that carers were set to receive a 2 per cent rise in the weekly allowance the council pays to carers to support the children in their care.

Councillor Matheson said: “Foster carers are a vital part of our care system. When families run into difficulties, it’s often foster carers who pick up the pieces. Children need a stable, warm and loving environment in which to grow. That’s what foster carers provide.

“Fostering can be the most rewarding experiences of a carer’s life. It’s a chance to give vulnerable children the best possible start in their lives and help them reach their true potential.”