Proper Children In Need

[wee 162]

Just thought this was kindae relevant today...

Urgent appeal for foster carers for Edinburgh’s children

There are currently 20 boys between five and 12 waiting to be fostered in Edinburgh and eight sibling groups, so the Council is appealing for more people to come forward this month in a campaign through press and radio advertising, as well as posters and flyers being distributed across the Capital and Lothians.

Fostering means providing temporary care for children who cannot live with their own families, sometimes for weeks, months or for the rest of their childhood. Children who need to be fostered are all ages and come into care for a wide range of reasons but the urgent need in Edinburgh is for carers who can look after boys aged between five and 12 years old and sibling groups – groups of two, three or more brothers and sisters who need to live and grow up together.

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Convenor of Education, Children and Families says:

“Some children come to foster carers at very short notice. Most will need reassurance and support because they’ve had to leave their own family and get used to strange people and a strange home. They usually need a lot of time, understanding and good physical care.

“The process for becoming a foster carer is rigorous, and that is as it should be. But there are no blanket bans, so please don’t think we’ll turn you down because you’re over 40, for example, single, or don’t own your own your own home. What we really need are understanding and committed people who have an enthusiasm for looking after young people.

“In return we offer comprehensive preparation and training, a high level of professional support, a weekly fee plus allowances and the chance to meet and share your experiences with other carers.”

Edinburgh resident Gail Pryde has been fostering for six years now and looks after 10 year old Pete. After almost five years caring for him, she’s recently decided to permanently foster him and would encourage anyone considering fostering to go for it:

She said: “You’ve got be realistic about it - children who need fostering can have problems. But with time and understanding you can work through them and help get their lives back on track. My own children love having Pete around - he’s just part of the family. Fostering’s definitely a challenge but it’s really fulfilling and I’ve never looked back!”

Councillor MacLaren added: “I’d like to thank our current foster carers for their dedication and commitment. The work they do day-in day-out helps improve the lives of Edinburgh’s vulnerable children and young people.

But there are still children in the city requiring temporary care and I would stress the need for more people to come forward, especially for those who could care for boys aged between five and twelve and sibling groups. With your help we can ensure that these children are given the support they need to help them go on to thrive.”

If you think you might have what it takes, I urge you to find out more. Please take the next step and pick up the phone today.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call the City of Edinburgh Council free on 0800 174 833 or visit
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



Lots of different people can foster a child with the City of Edinburgh Council:
You must be over 21 years old.
You can be single, married or part of a long-term relationship.
You can be a tenant or homeowner.
You might have children of your own, or you might not.
You don’t need to be well-off or in work

[Green Sleeves]

There'll be plenty of children in need if Marilyn McLaren gets away with shutting down 22 schools.