Teachers and social work staff urged to foster kids

TEACHERS, social workers and charity staff will be asked to take in vulnerable children as Scotland braces for a care crisis.

The Care Inspectorate, a national watchdog, has passed emergency powers to increase the number of homes able to foster children.

It is the first time since the Second World War that families who are not already signed up to foster children have been asked to open their doors as part of a national effort.

Officials fear a perfect storm of lockdown, school closures, and concerns over jobs and finances could mean more youngsters will need care. At the same time, foster family homes and residential units may be unable to help if people living there are infected with coronavirus.

The Care Inspectorate confirmed the ‘unprecedented circumstances’ could lead to ‘a rise in the number of children placed in foster care’.

A spokesman added: ‘Due to the availability of foster carers and potential impact of Covid-19 on authorities placing children, they may look to augment the number of placements available by using Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registered social work staff, or teachers registered with the General Teaching Council, employed by the fostering agency or provider, where there is no alternative available.’

Staff from one of Scotland’s leading children’s charities, who are also SSSC-accredited, are being lined up to help. They have been fielding calls from worried parents and grandparents.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, said: ‘If youngsters do need emergency foster placements, we are ready to help. This could include some of our staff looking after children.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘All care placements for children will be assessed and considered appropriate to meet individual need.’