When our parents are unable to look after us could you?
Do you care enough to become a Foster Carer?

What is Fostering?
Fostering is a community scheme run by South Ayrshire Council to provide care for young people who cannot be cared for by their families.

We are looking for…
Flexible carers who can look after children for short periods, ranging from a few days to a few months and where required even years.

Carers for Teenagers
In South Ayrshire, half the young people being cared for are teenagers. Through fostering, teenagers benefit from the same home life and support which most young people take for granted.

Who can become a foster carer?

People from all walks of life foster:

• Single or married
• With or without children of your own
• Employed or unemployed
• People of all races, religions and culture

You don’t have to have any special qualifications. If you are interested in children, flexible and looking fir a challenge, you will want to find out more about fostering.

What does it involve?

• Working with children and young people in crisis
• Helping to re-unite the child/young person with his or her family
• Working in partnership with other professionals

What help do carers receive?

The Fostering service is run by South Ayrshire Community Services. Carers are paid an allowance for each child, dependent on the age of the child. You will receive regular support and training and an opportunity to meet with other carers.

How can I find out more?

Complete the tear-off slip overleaf. A social worker will contact you to give you more information in your own home or in your offices at a time that suits you.

Further Information

Social Work department
Fostering & Adoption Team
Whitletts Area Centre,
Whitletts Road
Ayr
Tel. 01292 267675

Do you have care to share?
The Shared Care Scheme is looking fir families or single people who could offer short breaks, even for a few hours a week, in their own home, to children with a disability.

Do you care enough to be a foster carer?
South Ayrshire Council desperately need foster carers.
We currently have 25 carers, many of whom have permanent placements so are unavailable to the many children who need looking after on a temporary basis. We are looking for people who have time and space to care for a child/children on a temporary basis while their parents are unable to look after them. People who have patience and tolerance to accommodate children’s needs. There are no formal qualifications required and training appropriate to fostering task as SVQ level 3 is provided. There is also a high kevel of support provided by the Fostering Team and regular contact with ither foster carers through their Support Group.

People of all ages from all backgrounds are eligible i.e. couples, single persons with or without children of their own. At least one spare bedroom is preferable. Children come in all age groups from babies to teenagers and in all combinations from single children to sibling groups of five.

Maybe you know someone who is currently a foster carer or who used to be. Why not have a word with them. Helping children and their parents through difficult times in their lives has to be very rewarding.

If you wish to find out more contact the Fostering & Adoption Team, Whitletts Area Centre, Whitletts Road, Ayr Tel. 01292 267675

See Also: Fostering Network Fortnight

This new information comes from research carried out by the UK’s leading charity for foster carers. 32 local authorities were surveyed on the number of foster homes they required.

The survey of 32 local authorities shows that almost one in three (30%) of children and young people in foster care in Scotland are moved more than three times in their first year in foster care. In England the figure is almost one in eight (13%).

The survey also shows that one in every four children going into foster care in Scotland will be in a foster family which already cares for four or more children. Six per cent of children will be going into a foster family caring for six or more. This extraordinary situation occurs in Scotland because legislation is not in place to regulate the number of foster placements.

Bryan Ritchie, Director of the Fostering Network in Scotland said:
‘ The frequent moves have a traumatic and devastating effect on these children who are some of the most vulnerable in society. They have often led chaotic and damaging lives and their need for stability and continuity is of paramount importance.’

‘These are our most needy children and whilst the foster care service is working miracles everyday we desperately need more people to come forward.’

‘All we are asking people to do is to contact their local fostering team, and talk through whether fostering is for them. “

The new information will be launched at an event to mark the beginning of Foster Care Fortnight, which will be held today between 1-2.30pm at the Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh.

Young people and foster carers will be speaking about their experiences of foster care and Euan Robson, Deputy Minister for Education and Young People and Kathleen Marshall, Children’s Commissioner for Scotland will be speaking at the event.

Euan Robson says: ‘We want all children to get the best possible start in life regardless of their background and family circumstances. Foster carers have a vital role to play by providing a supportive family environment for children who cannot live with their birth parents.’

‘There are many young people who would benefit from the opportunities that being fostered brings. That’s why each and every one of us should ask ourselves – could I make a difference to a child’s life? Could I become a foster carer?’

South Ayrshire requires a variety of carers to meet young people's needs. If you want to find out more about caring in South Ayrshire contact:

Fostering & Adoption Team, Whitletts Area Centre, Whitletts Road, Ayr Tel. 01292 267675