Urgent need for foster carers

A shortage of foster carers has sparked a campaign to 
recruit more people to provide a stable home for children in East Dunbartonshire.
Fostercare CampaignFostercare Campaign
Fostercare Campaign

The ‘People like you Fostercare’ campaign aims to attract new foster carers who are willing to open up their homes.

Approximately 40 children and young people go into care each year in East Dunbartonshire and there is a lack of carers to look after them at the moment.

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Councillor Michael O’Donnell, the council’s convener of social work, said: “We are facing a shortage in the number of foster carers in the area and we need more people to come forward and provide what is a vitally important role in a child or young person’s life.

“There are many myths about who can become a foster carer, but what really matters is that someone has the commitment, skills and ability to look after children separated from their own families, and to offer them a stable and secure home.

Foster care can be challenging, but ultimately very rewarding work and carers can make a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

People from every age group, religious or ethnic background are encouraged to think about becoming a foster carer.

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Children and young people need foster carers when their parents cannot look after them because of family problems or health difficulties.

Councillor O’Donnell added: “Hopefully this recruitment campaign will encourage people to seriously consider fostering, and I’d urge anybody interested in finding out more to contact our care planning and placement team for help and advice.”

If you are chosen to become a carer you will receive regular visits by your own family placement social worker.

You will also receive information, advice and support from the child’s own social worker, along with access to support from specialists and support on how best to respond to a child or young person’s needs.

An allowance will be paid to you to cover the cost of caring.

For further information please contact the council on 0300 123 4510 and ask to speak to the care planning and placement team.