Angus foster carers have called on families across the county to get behind a campaign to help local children.
As the UK-wide Foster Care Fortnight comes to an end on Sunday, Angus Council has emphasised the support available for those who want to make the step into caring for some of the county’s 250 looked-after children.
Every 20 minutes across the UK a child comes in to care in need of a foster family. This equates to 1,008 children during Foster Care Fortnight.
Rod and Sue Ellis have been permanent foster carers for around 20 years in Scotland and “can’t remember” how many children they have cared for.
Debbie said: “The child or young person lives with you until they are old enough to live independently and move into their own accommodation.
“We have had children move on to university – to see them go on and achieve their dreams is one of the most rewarding aspects of fostering.
“If you are thinking of becoming a foster carer, you will get a lot of support from the family placement team, and opportunities to train to help you gain the knowledge you need to understand the needs of the children placed with you.”
Debbie and Mark Chalmers have been fostering since 2009.
Debbie said: “Our own children were aged nine and four at the time and although it was always a career we both wanted, we waited until it was the right time to fit in with our own children’s lives.
“My parents were foster carers in the late 70s, early 80s, looking after mostly babies going through for adoption, but also other children of many age groups.
“This gave me the experience of being part of a fostering household and an awareness of the expectations and routines involved.
“We have looked after many children of different ages and enjoy all the rewards and challenges they bring with them.
“Of course we couldn’t do this job without the great support we receive from our family who offer a listening ear, emotional support and babysitting to allow us to attend meetings, courses or even a wee night out.
“Both Mark and I are very proud watching how our own children have grown into outstanding young adults who show respect, empathy and are non-judgemental.”
A council spokeswoman said: “If you have been thinking about fostering, or feel you could provide a home for a child in need, please get in contact now and find out how you can help.
“The excellent support continues once you become a foster carer and we offer all foster carers a competitive financial package.”
Visit www.angus.gov.uk/fostering or call 01241 435078 to find out more, or email fosteringandadoption@angus.gov.uk.
