This Foster Care Fortnight anyone interested in becoming a carer is encouraged to find out more about how they could make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
We’re looking to hear from potential carers able to care for children and young people aged between 0 and 21, particularly those who could support older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
We’re also seeking carers who could provide short breaks for children with complex needs and disabilities. This involves offering weekend breaks and short term care for children who continue to live at home with their parents, support that makes a vital difference to families by giving them time to rest and recharge, while ensuring children receive high quality, consistent care.
The Fostering Network
Foster Care Fortnight is co-ordinated annually by The Fostering Network to raise awareness of the impact of foster care and encourage more people to consider becoming carers. The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘This is Fostering’, shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering and the difference it makes to children’s lives.
From providing a safe and welcoming home to helping with homework, attending school meetings or celebrating small milestones, foster carers play a vital role in helping children feel secure, supported and able to thrive.
The campaign also recognises the commitment, patience and care shown by foster carers across the Scottish Borders – and that while fostering often happens quietly, its impact can be lifelong.
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Social Work and Inclusion
“Fostering is about providing children with stability, care and a sense of belonging. Often it’s the everyday routine – having meals together, being listened to and feeling safe – that makes the biggest difference.
“Across the Scottish Borders, our foster carers quietly do this every day. By opening their homes and their hearts, often over long periods of time, they play a crucial role in helping children feel valued, supported and able to build positive futures. Their impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people is truly life changing and they deserve our heartfelt recognition and thanks for the commitment, compassion and consistency they show.
“Our carers come from all walks of life. They may be single or in a partnership, but what unites them is a genuine interest in children and young people, a commitment to positive parenting, and the patience and understanding needed to help children grow in confidence.
“If you think you’ve got the motivation, skills and experience to join our fostering community, our Family Placement Team is here to help and support you every step of the way.
“They can talk you through all the rewards and benefits of being a carer which includes access to a supportive team environment, high quality training and support, regular supervision with a qualified social worker, competitive fees and allowances and reimbursement of expenses. Just get in touch to find out more.”
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 access detailed advice on the Become a Foster Carer online resource. Developed by the Scottish Government, this includes information about what’s involved in being a foster carer and how to get started, as well as real life stories from existing carers that highlight the difference they’ve made to the lives of children and young people. Links to further resources, including local authority contacts and guidance on the application and approval process, are also available.
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. Find out more at:
- Foster carers 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 childcare 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.