Foster carers’ webchat service

A live webchat service was launched yesterday to help recruit new foster carers for young people aged 16 to 21.

The aim of the internet chat service, which is available through East Renfrewshire Council’s website, is to help residents with any initial enquiries that they might have about fostering.

Earlier this month, the local authority announced it was searching for residents with a spare room to help young people from the area to stay in the area, by welcoming them into their home.

Bosses said children of all ages need help, but there is a particular need to find foster carers for young people aged 16 to 21, who are not ready to live on their own just yet.

That added that if young people are placed with the right foster carers locally it will give them the opportunity to continue with their education or employment, keep the same circle of friends, and give them the stability to thrive with a family that can give them the love and support that they need.

Live Chat is one of the most popular ways that residents choose to contact the council, bosses said.

It is ordinarily looked after by East Renfrewshire’s Customer First team which helps residents with a range of enquiries from booking a bulky uplift to paying rents.

But for yesterday, special almost three hour launch slot, anyone wanting to ask any questions about fostering 16 to 21 year olds, was connected directly to a social worker from the council’s children and families team.

Live Chat is easy to use and is an informal way for residents to ask any questions they may have about this unique fostering role.

Kate Rocks, chief social work officer for East Renfrewshire, said: “Fostering is incredibly rewarding. Most people imagine they would take in a baby or toddler, but there are young people of all ages that need the love and guidance of a home setting.

“The difference with taking in a 16 to 21 year old is they are asking to be placed in a family home. While there are other options available to them, they still want stability and support.”

East Renfrewshire Council said yesterday’s live webchat was initially for one day but would be extended to other days if successful.

For more information log onto www.eastrenfrewshire. gov.uk/foster or call 0141 577 8300.