Inverclyde residents urged to open their homes and hearts and become foster carers
Inverclyde residents are being urged to consider becoming foster carers and help provide a safe, stable home for children in Inverclyde who cannot safely remain at home this Foster Care Fortnight.
Inverclyde HSCP aspires to ensure that love, care and nurture is at the heart of all care and that children and young people are supported to remain in their local community when they cannot safely remain at home or with family.
Local fostering households play a vital role in supporting this vision. A shortage of carers both nationally and within Inverclyde means that there are times when children have to move out with their local area, away from their communities, schools, family and support networks.
Councillor Francesca Brennan, vice-chair of Inverclyde Integrated Joint Board and chair of the Social Work and Social Care Scrutiny Panel, said it was important children were able to stay in Inverclyde.
She said: “Having more foster carers here in Inverclyde would mean that children and young people who need foster care can stay here without having the added challenge of being moved to a new and different area.
“We really want to keep our children here in Inverclyde so they can thrive in the place they call home.
“Foster carers play a vital role in a child’s life and can change children’s lives for the better. They come from all walks of life and all different backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need any specific qualifications, you don’t need to have children of your own.
“If you can open your home, and your heart, to a child in need, please get in touch with our team. We will be there to support you every step of the way.”
A shortage of foster carers is an issue across Scotland, not just Inverclyde, and the Scottish Government has launched a Foster Care Recruitment Campaign in acknowledgement of this.
A new website provides information on training and support, as well as directing visitors to Inverclyde Council’s websites and also to The Fostering Network’s recruitment line. Link above.
There are different types of foster care, and potential carers will have some flexibility over the kind of fostering that suits them best. Some may choose to offer short-term care, while others may be able to care for children for longer periods. The Inverclyde HSCP Family Based Care Team is available to talk through the options and help each carer find the right fit for their lifestyle and circumstances.
There is no one type of person who can foster. Fostering is open to individuals and families of all ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and backgrounds. If you can offer a stable and caring home, you could provide the loving environment a child needs to thrive.
As a foster carer with Inverclyde HSCP, you will receive training, ongoing support, financial allowances, and access to a dedicated team that truly understands the local area and its needs.
For more information or to enquire about becoming a foster carer, please click the link on this page or call the team on 01475 715 365.