Tayside council call for more foster carers

More foster carers are needed in Dundee to keep up with the demand for places for children and young people, according to a report to go before the city’s council next week.

The annual report of adoption and fostering services going to the social work and health committee on Monday highlights the situation in the city over the last year.

Committee convener Councillor Jim Barrie said: “There are about 80 foster carers with placements offered to approximately 140 children and young people.

“However, there are more children requiring places than there are carers so an increasing number are being placed with family and friends and with external fostering providers from the independent and voluntary sector.

“Our officers put considerable efforts into encouraging people to become foster carers and adoptive parents and are only too happy to provide details about what is involved to anyone thinking about this. There’s a dedicated phone line – 436060 – to contact experienced officers who will pass on the information they need.

“Of course, Dundee is not alone in experiencing a shortage of carers but the service we do have is one that has been praised by the Care Commission.

“Their recent report was a positive one that recognised the commitment and skills of staff and carers and the high quality of support. Carers have also confirmed that they feel adoption and fostering services in Dundee have performed well overall and tried hard to meet the needs of children and carers themselves.”

Councillor Barrie said there was a need to expand the service because of the ongoing demand and it was planned that this would be achieved through additional staff resources.

“We want to continue to deliver for children and young people in Dundee and will be making a determined effort to fill gaps in the service, particularly for sibling groups and adolescents.”