‘Heartbreaking’ lack of Highland foster carers

Young people being sent out of the Highlands because there are not enough foster carers in the region is ‘heartbreaking’, according to Lochaber MSP Kate Forbes.

Her comments came as The Highland Council’s Fostering and Adoption Service launched a new website.

There are currently 30 children in Highland region waiting for their ‘forever family’. There are also five children waiting for a permanent foster family and 10 children who need a respite foster family. And there is always a need for placements for children of all ages who need accommodated as a result of child protection concerns.

Responding to an enquiry from the Lochaber Times, a council spokesperson said there were no children from Highland in foster care placed in England and Wales.

The local authority has two children placed outwith Highland with Highland Council foster carers who moved and took the children with them.

There are 38 children placed outwith Highland in foster care with independent fostering providers/agencies.

The council also has three children placed with independent fostering providers/ agencies in Highland.

Alison Gordon, Highland Council’s Fostering and Adoption Resource Manager, said the website had been created to make it easier for anyone considering fostering or adoption to apply.

‘We need homes for children of all ages from babies to 18-year-olds. Families are also needed for the adoption of siblings as well as children with complex health needs,’ she explained. ‘We work hard to try and keep children in their local communities and in contact with their families.’

Ms Forbes said: ‘There is an urgent need for more foster parents in the Highlands. It should be heartbreaking for all of us that so many young people are sent out of the Highlands because there are not enough foster carers in the Highlands.’