As part of Foster Care Fortnight, we're keen to hear from anyone who would like to join our dedicated team of carers and become a member of our fostering community.
We're looking to hear from potential carers who are able to care for children and young people, aged between 0–21, who are in need of a family placement. This includes a particular need for carers who would be interested in supporting:
- older children
- sibling groups
- disabled children
- unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
We're also looking for carers who would be able to provide short breaks for children with complex needs and disabilities. This involves providing weekend breaks and short-term periods of care for children who continue to live at home with their parents.
Helen Sommerville, Foster Carer
“I've been a carer for seven years now and there's so much more to fostering than people might imagine, with no two days or two children ever the same. It’s hugely rewarding and yes, at times challenging, but I would have to say that one of the most beautiful and life affirming experiences is when the young person is able to return home to their birth family.
“I’m currently in the final stages of this process with a youngster I have looked after for a year and it very much involves working as a team with the family, building a plan around their needs, so that the transition can be as smooth as possible. Returning a child or young person home is an emotional experience for everyone involved and I must admit I will shed a tear or two and miss my wee pal. But it has been a privilege to be part of this experience and help a family come back together.”
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Developing our Children and Young People
“All children have the right to grow up in a loving and stable home supported by people who can love them, be ambitious for them and help them achieve their potential.
“Unfortunately, there are some circumstances where they are unable to live with their birth families and need to be cared for by foster carers. This is when carers like Helen come into their own, providing a safe and supportive environment for as long as it takes or is required.
“If you think you’ve got the motivation, skills and experience to become one of our highly respected carers, now is the time to find out more – our team is only a phone call away. They’ll be happy to talk you through all the benefits of working with us including the payments and allowances that you’ll be entitled to as well as details of the training and support that’s provided.”
Get in touch
To find out more, contact the Family Placement Team on 01896 662799 or visit the fostering pages of our website. You can also follow them on Facebook at: @ScottishBordersFosteringandAdoption
More information
- Foster Care Fortnight™ is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network. Established in 1997, the campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.
- Foster carers come from all walks of life and may be single or in an enduring partnership. They need to have had experience of looking after or working with children and are able to provide positive parenting with patience and understanding. This will include a genuine interest in children and young people and having an enjoyment of their company. Being patient and having the ability to listen, understand and communicate with young people is also important. Many foster carers have had previous careers in child or social care, for example, while others have child care experience with children in their own families and communities.
- Foster carers attend a wide range of training pre and post approval. They are also provided with a supervising social worker who provides regular support and supervision.
- Carers are paid a fee as well as a maintenance allowance to cover costs for caring for each child.
- Applicants need to be in reasonable health and in settled circumstances. A full assessment as to their suitability is carried out which includes statutory checks. They also need to attend a preparatory training course as part of the assessment process.