A major national campaign to encourage more people to think about whether they have the qualities to foster is being launched across Scotland this May.
Adam Ingram, minister for children and early years, will be launching Foster Care Fortnight (12-25 May) at an event at Holyrood on Tuesday 13 May, attended by foster carers and other social care professionals. New figures on the number of foster carers needed across Scotland over the next year will be released at the event.
This year, under the strapline fostering: recognise the qualities you’ve got, Foster Care Fortnight will encourage people to realise that they may already share the same qualities as those currently fostering, and that these are the basis for becoming a great foster carer. The right qualities include strong listening and observational skills, a good sense of humour, optimism and resilience.
Sarah Crangle, the Fostering Network Scotland’s recruitment campaign co-ordinator, said: “For many children who cannot live with in their own homes, foster care provides their best chance of experiencing stable and secure family life.
"There is always a need for more people to come forward and foster. With the launch of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight we are identifying the key qualities needed for fostering. We hope that many people will recognise these qualities in themselves, and realise that they provide the foundations for becoming a great foster carer."
To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer visit www.couldyoufoster.org.uk.
