That’s according to leading fostering charity The Fostering Network who are flagging up a lack of places for teenagers and sibling groups.
And during Foster Care Fortnight, which is ongoing and runs until May 21, an appeal is being made locally for more families to get involved in all types of fostering.
Sara Lurie, director of The Fostering Network in Scotland, said: “Without more foster families in Scotland coming forward during 2017, and especially people who could foster teenagers and sibling groups, some children will find themselves living a long way from their family, school and friends, being split up from brothers and sisters, or being placed with a foster carer who might not have the skills and experience to meet their specific needs.
“More foster carers means that a fostering service can match the needs of each child more closely with the skills and experience that each foster carer brings, allowing them to find the right home for each child, first time.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council say “there are no hard and fast rules” about who can foster.
They will consider applications from single, married and cohabiting people, as well as those in a same sex relationship; all ethnic and religious backgrounds; homeowners and renters; employed or on benefits; people who are already parents; those living with a disability.
In a statement, they said: “We’d love to hear from you if you feel you could be a foster carer and have energy, patience and are able to say goodbye at the end of a placement. We particularly need foster carers for school age children, groups of brothers and sisters and children with additional difficulties.”
Types of fostering range from private arrangements to providing emergency care, short term care, permanent placements and intensive support.
The council’s family placement team supports all foster carers with preparation, advice, equipment and training.
Foster carers also receive a weekly allowance ranging from £130 to £224 depending on the age of the child.
A council spokesman added: “Fostering gives a stable family life to children who can’t live at home. Support is provided for the child, the foster carer and the family of the fostered child.
“There are many reasons why children may have to be cared for away from their own families and most children return to their own family after a period in temporary care. A child needs a safe, caring home where they can remain in contact with their family.”
- To find out more about fostering in Dumfries and Galloway, email [email protected], or call 01387 273600
