Adoption figures on the increase

More homes open their doors to vulnerable kids

An increasing number of South Lanarkshire residents are opening their homes to vulnerable children and young people by providing foster care.

In 2014 to 2015, 92 households offered temporary and permanent foster care – four more than the previous year.

Twelve people in the area are registered respite carers.

In the current year, 143 children and young people in South Lanarkshire were in temporary care, compared to 148 the previous year, with 37 in permanent care – five fewer than in 2013-2014.

Fifteen children and young people were receiving respite care in the current year, with 11 in shared care and 16 in preadoptive care.

The figures were revealed in a South Lanarkshire Council social work services report on fostering and adoption.

The report highlights that there have been a number of placements that have ended in an unplanned way, with a number of children mainly aged between seven and 10 having three or four placements. These children have struggled to cope with being in a family setting.

A plan exists to move 26 children who are in temporary foster care into permanent care. A plan is also in place for moving 29 children into adoption – five more than the previous year.

Over the past year, 11 new fostering households were approved and three respite carers were approved, along with seven support carers.

Social work handled 101 enquiries from prospective carers, 50 initial interviews were undertaken and two preparatory groups were held.

On-going training is offered to all foster carers to support them in further developing their skills and knowledge.

Executive director ( social work resources) Har r y Stevenson revealed that this year, 22 children were registered for adoption, compared to 24 the previous year.

The team continues to provide a range of adoption support for families and children, including to support groups for adults and a pilot group providing support to newly approved adopted children through transitions.

Over the past year, 11 new fostering households were approved