Highland Campaign Focuses On Fostering

A new high-profile fostering campaign in the Highlands was launched this week to recruit foster carers for children and young people.

The Highland Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service is seeking people who have room in their lives as well as in their homes that would consider becoming foster carers and changing children’s lives.

The “Me Too” campaign, funded by the Scottish Government, will soon embark on a major publicity drive which will include local adverts on TV, radio and newspapers, huge posters displayed on travelling trailers and on Highland buses and the distribution of 4,000 leaflets.

Councillor Liz Macdonald, Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Young People and Children said: “We are looking for a range of people with different skills and different time available, from 3 days, 3 months to 3 years. We hope to encourage as many people as possible to come forward as we need to build up our bank of carers, so we have more choice when children need to be looked after away from home.”

In the Highlands there are currently 120 children staying with foster carers, which is almost twice as many as those in residential care. Many more children and young people affected by disability need care for short breaks to help them and their families

Harriet Dempster Director of The Highland Council’s Social Work Service said: “We have a target to recruit another 20 carers with this campaign and in return we offer good support from professional dedicated staff and access to development and training opportunities.”