Appeal for new foster carers

Jun 3 2009 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

YOU can put the colour back into the lives of some of North Lanarkshire’s children by offering them a home during a difficult period in their lives.

This is the key message coming from North Lanarkshire Council as part of a public appeal for people to come forward and offer themselves as potential foster carers.

Foster carers help the council to look after children and young people who cannot live with their own families.

In some cases parents may be ill, in prison, or having relationship problems.

In others, the reasons may be more complicated. In many cases the children will ultimately return to their own families.

Across the UK, over 51,000 children and young people livewith foster families on any one day.

In North Lanarkshire alone there are well over 100 children currently living with foster families.

Martin Egan, North Lanarkshire Council’s children and families manager, said: “We have far more children who need a home thanwe have foster carers so we really need people to respond to this appeal.

“If you are patient, understanding, flexible and able to provide a loving home environment, we urgently need your help.

“Please consider calling us or going to our website to find out more.”

Kay, a local resident who has been a carer for many years now, describes what fostering has meant to her.

She said: “Although you give a lot as a foster carer, you get a lot back.

“It is very satisfying to know that you have helped someone.

“In my case, the four brothers and sisters that I care for were previously living with different carers so it was great to be able to bring them back together.

“I have two children of my own so it’s busy but everyone gets on well and we are all one big family now.”