Council keen to recruit more foster carers

A FRESH appeal has been made for more foster carers to provide homes for vulnerable children and young people in Shetland.

Information on becoming a foster carer can be found on the Shetland Islands Council website or on Facebook.

Foster carers provide a caring and nurturing family home for children and young people who, for a range of reasons, are unable to live with their own family.

The number of children needing foster care across Scotland continues to grow and Shetland has also seen increased demand in recent years.

Shetland Islands Council is the only local fostering agency and it has an ongoing need to recruit local foster carers.

Foster carers can come from a wide background, whether they are single, in a relationship, married, working full-time or part-time, a homeowner or renting their property.

There is a particular need to recruit foster carers for children aged 12 years and up although applications will be welcomed for all ages.

Prospective foster carers receive training and support from the council’s family placement team.

Financial support is available in the form of fees and allowances, to cover the costs associated with caring for each child or young person, for items such as clothing, food, household expenses and day-to-day living costs.

Elaine Heinrich from the council’s family placement team said: “Foster families perform an invaluable role on behalf of the Shetland community and give children the opportunity for the childhood that they deserve, but may not otherwise have.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone, individuals or couples, who are over the age of 21, and have a desire to look after children, to help provide a stable family home for them.

“Please have a look at our new information pack online or get in touch if you just want to have a chat about what’s involved.”