Education convener meets fosterers in drive for carers to look after older children

Education and Children’s Services convener Jim Paterson met with foster carers at a special event to mark Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until this Sunday.

The Council is bidding to have 100 people in the vital role, an increase of almost a fifth from 81.

There is also a specific drive to attract carers who can look after teenagers or older children as well as those who can care for children with disabilities or learning needs to support them to reach their full potential.

Councillor Paterson said: “It’s been great to meet our foster carers and hear about the wonderful work they do, as well as the challenges they face. One thing that has struck me is how supported they feel by our specialist team.

“We want to send out a message to anyone who thinks foster caring may be for them that you will be supported on every step of the way.

“You could transform the life of a child or young person.  We are especially keen to attract people who could offer a home to older children or teenagers who need the best help and support possible to ensure they reach their full potential.

“Some of them will have had challenging starts to their young lives but with the right help and guidance they could thrive.

“We also need people who think they could make a difference to a child or young person who has a a disability or special needs.”

Una Daly, 62 and her husband Tom have looked after children of all ages since she became a foster carer when she took early retirement from nursing six years ago.

Former ward sister Una, said: “All ages bring their joys and challenges and older children may be coming from backgrounds of families with difficulties and can have a fear of the future.

“Our job is to build real, firm strings of attachment to them. Through being very firm – and laying out boundaries – it gives them a security you love them enough to make sure they feel safe.

“I would say to anyone thinking about fostering ‘Just pick up the phone.’ If you proceed, you will be supported all along the way.

“It’s great to see a child blossom by giving them a loving home and let them see what family life can be like without so much worry and fewer difficulties . We just wish we had done it years ago.”

If you are over 21, have a spare room and are in good health, you can apply to help make a difference to a child’s life.

Children and young people of all ages need carers who will help them feel wanted, valued and safe.

As a foster carer, you can be in work or unemployed, be single, married, or in a same sex or heterosexual relationship, and can own or rent the property you live in.

You will be supported on every step of the journey with advice, specialist training and peer support and will also receive a generous allowance.

Anyone interested in more detail can call the team at Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 1199 or email at childrenandfamilies@renfrewshire.gov.uk