Fostering offers such rich rewards

CHILDREN and young people in foster care are calling for more people to provide a safe, supportive and loving home for those in need.

The call comes following a new survey conducted to mark the start of the Fostering Network Scotland’s Foster Care Fortnight 2016, which runs until May 29.

Some 261 young people with experience of being in care were asked about a range of issues aimed at identifying what they consider to be the key qualities needed to foster, and about the difference these made to their lives in foster care. The top three qualities were: · making them feel safe and secure (67 per cent),

· supporting and helping them (61 per cent), · loving them (54 per cent). According to one fosterer, offering care provides hugely positive rewards.

The fosterer said: ‘It is hard to encapsu- late what the whole experience has been like.

‘First and foremost, it has been rewarding; deep satisfying, life- changing rewarding.

‘It is easy to forget the loss that looked-after children have suffered. In the midst of their loss and grief, how easy it is to forget that, as a child taken into care you are expected to adjust and adapt to completely different surroundings, a different lifestyle and live with people you’ve never met.

‘If you are a school-age child, this can mean a new school. I’d find myself kicking and screaming and begging for this not to be happening to me but realising that I have no choice.

‘Children react differently, of course. Some may become aggressive, while others are withdrawn and may even be unnaturally compliant.

‘These children need dedicated carers. Wouldn’t you like to be able to help children to feel as safe, secure and loved as possible, help them to cope with trauma, include them as part of your family and nurture them?

‘Many people don’t start the process because they say they could never give the children up. If this is you, then just ask in what way does that help these children? Children aren’t given up – they move on, often to a permanent home where they can grow and develop. As a foster carer you take comfort in the knowledge that you have played a part in their development.

‘Even if you have a spark of interest, find out a little more. There’s an in- depth introduction and assessment process which is enlightening and will help equip and inform you about what is involved and expected.’

For information on becoming a foster carer call 01546 605517 or email fpduty@ argyll-bute.gov.uk.