Monday May 11th 2020
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Midlothian Council, which recently increased its fees and allowances making them among the most generous in Scotland, is appealing for kind, compassionate local people to foster.
The call comes as the council prepares to mark Foster Care Fortnight and at a time when people across the world are taking stock of their lives because of the Coronavirus.
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Jim Muirhead said: “So many of us are feeling vulnerable, worried and scared. Imagine what it is like when you are also a child or young person in an unstable home?
“This pandemic has changed all of our lives. Many of us are re-evaluating our future so if you want to make a positive difference to a young life and to your own then please consider fostering.”
Cllr Muirhead added that, to reflect the skills and commitment of our foster carers, Midlothian Council has significantly increased the fees and allowances it pays making them among the most generous in Scotland.
Speaking before the start of Foster Care Fortnight, which begins on Monday 11 May, Cllr Muirhead added:
“Fostering is among the most emotionally rewarding roles but it’s not easy. It takes ongoing training and expertise to provide a stable, secure home for a child or young person who has experienced trauma in their life.
“We wanted our fees and allowances to reflect the demands of the role.”
Cllr Muirhead said the significant increase in fostering fees and allowances reflects the council’s commitment to recruiting and retaining quality foster carers to look after our most vulnerable children.
Cllr Muirhead added that some carers could potentially foster while keeping their existing job. He said: “That would be looked at on an individual basis, keeping in mind the focus must always be on putting the child first but we do have carers that continue to work so it can be done.”
For more information on fostering, including information on how we support carers, visit www.midlothian.gov.uk/fostering, call 0131 271 3615 or email family.placementduty@midlothian.gov.uk
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