Tracey praises her foster carers and then makes a plea for more people to help Edinburgh’s children
The Council has launched a new campaign to attract carers.
[IMG1]
Here’s what it’s all about Lots of different people can be foster carers: - you must be over 21 years old
- you can be single, married or part of a long-term relationship
- you can be a tenant or homeowner
- you might have children of your own, or you might not
- you don’t need to be well off or in work.
What we need from you: - an understanding and enthusiasm for looking after children
- willingness to work with parents, social workers and other professionals
- energy, patience, commitment and a sense of humour!
What we offer: - a weekly fee plus maintenance allowances for the child
- comprehensive preparation and ongoing training
- high-quality professional support
- the chance to meet and share your experiences with other carers.
|
The Caring for our Children campaign aims to attract new foster carers, day carers, share-the-carers and adopters with new material developed in consultation with staff and carers.
It will feature on buses, taxis, posters, flyers, press ads and online, with the aim of urging those who may be thinking about caring for children to take the next step.
Carers look after children of all ages, from babies to 18 year olds, whose families are experiencing problems.
This is often as a result of drug/alcohol dependency, mental health issues, relationship breakdown or violence.
In other cases, care is provided to allow parents to take a break from the pressures of looking after a child who has particular needs.
All children need individual care and stability in a family. They need guidance, advice and lots of reassurance.
And they need help to understand what’s happened to them and to be confident about the future. This is what carers do.
We launched the refreshed campaign during Foster Care Fortnight in May, focusing specifically on recruiting foster carers for the 40 children waiting for a placement now in Edinburgh.
Fostering means providing temporary care for children who cannot live with their own families, sometimes for weeks, months or for the rest of their childhood.
Tracey Thomson (17) is in foster care with the City of Edinburgh Council.
She’s been with her current carers Debbie and Scott for eight years and has won McSense’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for her voluntary work with children.
Tracey has had a positive experience in care and would appeal for more people to come forward to ensure that other children are given the chance to grow up in a safe and loving environment.
Tracey said: “My foster carers treat me as one of their own so I feel like I’m just part of the family and no different from any of my friends.
“We do the normal things that any family does and we go on holiday together and have a great laugh.
“I think a good foster carer is caring, calm and treats you with respect. If you can be like this, you should think about fostering.”
If you think you can meet the special challenges that caring for children brings, get in touch today and make a difference. Call 0800 174 833 or visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering