Right now, fifteen children in Edinburgh are waiting for someone to care for them and to guide them towards a happy life. The Council’s ‘New Opportunities’ campaign, launched this week aims to increase the number of foster carers available to look after children aged seven and over.
The children within the New Opportunities scheme have usually experienced varied degrees of neglect, abuse and disruption in their lives. Some of the children may have lived in residential care. They can present a higher level of social emotional and behavioural difficulties but, with the right family, the children can grow and develop a positive sense of themselves leading to a happier life.
City Children & Families Leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said:-
“Some people would write off a young person who has had difficulties but not us and not the foster carers who play such a vital role in their development. With some love and attention, their lives can be transformed.
Our carers tell us it’s the most rewarding job they have ever had but we desperately need more people to help us transform these young lives. It’s not a job for everyone but we know there are people out there who could do it fantastically well.”
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.
