Angus Council in urgent appeal for foster carers

Foster Care Fortnight runs until May 22. The theme this year is fostering communities, focusing on shining a light on the many ways people across the fostering community support each other.

The council already supports 65 foster carers offering placements but with 73 children in full time placements, needs more people who can offer a loving home to children, teenagers and sibling groups to come forward.

On Saturday, May 21, foster carers, the fostering and permanence team and Angus Council staff will be taking over the Montrose Park Run, volunteering as stewards, timekeepers and scanners. There will also be a few willing volunteers running, jogging and walking the course. Carers and staff will be available after the event to provide information and answer any questions those attending might have about fostering or adoption.

Kathryn Lindsay, Angus Council’s Director of Children, Families and Justice and Chief Social Work Officer said: “Foster care doesn’t just transform the lives of the young people, it can change the lives of foster carers, their families and all those who are involved in fostering."

Jim and Lorraine Dorward, who’ve been foster carers with Angus Council for seven years, said: “We started fostering because we thought we could give kids a nice home and a place to come to feel safe. It’s great to see the kids enjoy themselves, whether it’s when we’re taking the dog for a walk, going to the park, swimming – all the things we do together to make them feel at home. It’s challenging but we get a lot of satisfaction from caring for children. It’s very rewarding and worthwhile.”

As well as attending the Montrose Park Run, the council is also holding online information sessions on Wednesday, May 25 at 10am, 2pm and 6pm.

If you think you have what it takes to become a foster carer and change the lives of children in Angus, find out more about the events and how to book a place at www.angus.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption or contact the team on 01241 464646.