Foster Care Fortnight 2022 starts today Monday May 9 and Scottish Borders Council is keen to hear from anyone who would like to join their dedicated team of carers and become part of the fostering community.

SBC are holding a series of drop-in sessions throughout the fortnight to give people interested in fostering the chance to find out more about current opportunities.

The sessions are part of an ongoing commitment to recruiting foster carers who are able to care for children and young people, aged between 0–21, who are in need of a family placement.

The council are also looking for short breaks carers to provide respite for children with complex needs and disabilities.

This involves providing weekend breaks and short term periods of respite care for children who continue to live at home with their parents.

Staff from the Family Placement Team will be available as follows:

Monday 9 May - Eyemouth Golf Club, 10am-12pm

Wednesday 11 May - Galashiels Swimming Pool, 11am-3pm

Thursday 12 May – Tesco, Galashiels 10am–3pm

Friday 13 May – Bisley at Braidwood, Midlem 11am-3pm

Stuart Easingwood, Director of Social Work and Practice, said: “All children have the right to grow up in a loving and stable home where all their physical and emotional needs are met and they are given the chance to reach their goals and ambitions. Unfortunately there are some circumstances where they are unable to live with their birth families and need to be cared for by foster carers.

“The impact of the past two years on some of our more vulnerable children, young people and families has been significant and more than ever we are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they have what it takes to welcome a child or young person into their home and provide them with the support they need.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our existing team of foster carers for not only everything they do on a daily basis, but particularly for all the commitment, dedication and resilience they have shown against the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. They have, and continue to do, an incredible job and we should all be extremely grateful to them.

“If you think you’ve got the motivation, skills and experience to become part of our fostering community, please get in touch. The drop in sessions are a great way to speak to our staff in person but you can also find out more by giving them a call and having an informal chat.”

For more information, contact the Family Placement Team on 01896 662799 or visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/fostering. You can also follow them on Facebook at: @ScottishBordersFosteringandAdoption