Scotland recruitment campaign aims to recruit foster carers
The Scottish Government campaign, announced by First Minister John Swinney at a John Lewis store, aims to recruit more local authority foster carers.
The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 additional foster carers.
Read more: Parents worried about their child's mental health urged to seek support
This new campaign seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of fostering and encourage people across the country to consider if they could support a child or young person in the care system.
It will be running in May and June, with a new website and an advice line for anyone interested in finding out more.
Anne Currie, assistant director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, said: "We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's national campaign to recruit foster carers, and we're proud to back this initiative by providing additional support to our Fosterline service to specifically manage enquiries.
"We hope this leads to more people stepping forward to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays.
"The need has never been more urgent – as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it's critical that we take action now."
John Lewis, a campaign partner, is a foster-friendly employer that strives to provide extra support to employees who are foster carers.
This is something the Scottish Government has recently introduced to its own staff.
John Lewis also runs a care-experienced internship designed to support hundreds of young people with care experience to get work experience.
Read more: Deaf football manager shares heartfelt message to younger self
Meeting foster carers at the new campaign launch, the First Minister said: "Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people.
"They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030.
"Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive.
"Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday 'ordinary' can be extraordinary for a child in foster care.
"Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures."
Ceira Thom, head of learning, inclusion and belonging at the John Lewis Partnership, said: "At the John Lewis Partnership, we believe that every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can grow and flourish.
"As the UK's largest Fostering Friendly employer, we're proud to support this vital campaign and to help raise awareness of the life-changing role foster carers play in young people's lives."
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