Highland Council drive to recruit more foster carers
An appeal has been issued for more people to become foster carers as Highland Council revealed it is currently looking after 103 children.
Across the region there are currently 75 fostering households, with a local shortage meaning Highland children having to be placed elsewhere across Scotland.
A council spokesperson said: “This is not ideal as it means children have less opportunity to see their friends and family and we want to have more carers in Highland to prevent this disruption.”
They added: “At present we would be particularly interested in hearing from people able to consider looking after sibling groups of children, to provide permanent homes for primary school aged children and for teenagers, and for children with additional needs.
“We have some children referred who are still at home or with family and we also need to find more permanent homes for a number of children currently in temporary placements.
“We also require carers who would be able to provide short breaks to support full time placements or families.”
Several information sessions are taking place over the next two weeks as part of Foster Care Fortnight for those interested in finding out more.
Councillor David Fraser, chairman of the council’s health, social care and wellbeing committee, said: “Foster care provides vital care to children and young people and is at the heart of our communities, enabling children to stay with foster families, local to everything they are familiar with already.
“Highland needs more foster carers and I encourage anyone even thinking about it to join the online information sessions being provided to find out more.”
He added: “In addition, three drop-in sessions have been organised for people to meet and chat with council staff about fostering at Dingwall, Wick and Inverness.”
MS Teams online sessions are set to take place on Monday, May 19 from 5.30-6.30pm and Wednesday, May 21 from 3.30-4.30pm.
Anyone interested in joining in should email fostering@highland.gov.uk, stating which session they want to attend. An email link will then be sent for the chosen session.
Information is also available at www.highland.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption