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Gordon MP Supports Foster Care Fortnight
Richard Thomson, SNP MP for Gordon, has urged constituents to consider becoming foster carers, as the UK’s largest foster care awareness, ‘Foster Care Fortnight’ gets underway
‘Foster Care Fortnight’, which runs from May 10-23, aims to raise awareness of fostering. There are approximately 3,800 foster families in Scotland, supporting 4,800 children, with more new families required each year.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, over 55,000 foster carers provided stable and loving homes to more than 65,000 children across the UK.
Speaking in support of the campaign to find additional foster families, Mr Thomson said: “To assist a child or young person to reach their potential and find their place in the world is one of the most rewarding things we can ever do.
“It is an unfortunate reality that not every child or young person is able to live with their birth family. However, through foster families, children and young people in that situation can benefit from the love, support and stability that they need to get the best possible start in life.
“When a person becomes a foster carer, they become part of a community of people who dedicate their lives for the betterment of others. If anyone thinks they could do the same or even if they’d simply like to find out some more about fostering, I’d strongly encourage them to do so.”
Kevin Williams, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster carers have accomplished incredible things every day throughout this last year. In the face of a global crisis that has affected every one of us and impacted all aspects of our society, they have worked tirelessly for the children that they bring into their homes. Foster carers have supported children and young people’s education, health, and social wellbeing, and also helped to maintain the children’s relationships with the people who are important to them but who they have not been able to see in person.
“Despite the practical and emotional challenges that the pandemic has brought, foster carers have continued to provide day-to-day support, love and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families – and from the bottom of my heart, I thank them.
“Being a foster carer is to take on a role like no other, so if you are looking for a new lifestyle or career in the aftermath of this dreadful pandemic and you believe you have the right skills, I want you to consider becoming a foster carer.”
To find out more about fostering, and to find your local fostering service, please visit: https://thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/could-you-foster
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