More than 1000 extra foster carers need to be found across Scotland in the next 12 months to avoid a crisis, a leading charity has warned.
New figures, published today by the Fostering Network Scotland, reflect a combination of factors which are placing huge pressure on existing services, the umbrella body said.
These include the rising average age of Scotland's foster carers, and an increasing recognition that many children do better in a foster placement than in residential care. Social services are also often acting earlier to intervene where children may be unsafe – spurred by tragic cases such as the deaths of "Baby P", Peter Connelly, and Dundee toddler Brandon Muir.
Since 2005 the number of children living with foster families in Scotland has risen by a third. Meanwhile the average age of foster carers has risen from 46 in 2000 to 54 in 2009.
Around 4700 children live with 3300 foster families on any one day across Scotland.
Sarah Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland (FNS), said that unless extra families come forward in 2012 to be foster carers, children would suffer either by being placed in unsuitable foster placements, perhaps a long way from other family members or their school, being separated from brothers or sisters, or by having to stay in children's homes when foster care would be a better option.
FNS, which represents fostering services across the country, provides support and materials for foster families and those considering fostering.
Some members of the public who would make good foster parents do not consider putting themselves forward, for a range of reasons, but many are unfounded, Ms Lurie said. "Foster carers hear from friends or neighbours 'I couldn't do that because I could never give the child back', or 'I'm not good enough', she explained."
But often all that is needed is a commitment to ensuring a young child has the best chance possible to fulfil their potential, she said.
"Good foster carers are people who genuinely enjoy children and believe they can help turn a child's life around. The skills involved include communication skills, a sense of humour, 'stickability' and the ability to work as a team.
"Children who have come out of foster care say the most important thing was having a foster carer who believed in them and gave them opportunities to achieve their dreams."
A lack of knowledge about options such as permanent fostering mean that people do not realise they can foster a child without ever needing to hand them back, she said. Permanent fostering is not formalised like adoption and the child often remains in touch with members of their birth family. However it does not feature the coming and going that many associate with foster care.
Meanwhile there are a range of other fostering styles which mean those considering fostering should not rule themselves out. These include short-term fostering, fostering babies, or teenagers.
While some fear an intrusive vetting process, this can be as much about assessing what kind of foster placement would be right for a family, Ms Lurie said. "Foster carers come from all walks of life, from teachers to factory workers and builders to nurses, and can be married, living with a partner or single," she added. "People should know there is plenty of information out there and they would be able to get training. If you are thinking about it even slightly, it is worth picking up the phone to get more information before approaching your local authority."
For more information about becoming a foster carer, visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk or call Fosterline Scotland on 0141 204 1400.
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