Edinburgh is to make a big call for more foster carers during next Sunday’s X Factor programme.
The Council’s foster care team have taken out a series of economical adverts which will run for a week on STV from 23rd-30th September.
There is currently a severe shortage of foster carers in Edinburgh and more are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.
City Children & Families Leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said:-“We want to encourage people from all backgrounds to become foster carers as we need a broad spectrum of people who can look after children in our care. X Factor is obviously hugely popular and this approach is a great way for us to get our message out to lots of potential carers.
“A foster home can have a huge impact on a child’s life, improving their confidence and helping them towards a happy future – it really is a very special role.”
In recent years the Council has run successful campaigns to recruit foster carers for children of all ages and backgrounds. Now more foster carers are needed across for the following groups:
- Babies and young children under five
- Over fives
- Teenagers
- Children with emotional and behavioural problems
- Children from ethnic minority backgrounds
- Children with disabilities
The advertising campaign is part of an ongoing wider campaign to promote foster care in Edinburgh.
Foster carers must be over 21 years old. They can be single, married or part of a long-term relationship. They can be a tenant or homeowner. Some have children of their own and some don’tand carers don’t need to be well-off or in work.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call the City of Edinburgh Council free on 0800 174 833 or visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering
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