AN INVITATION has been issued to become part of Scottish Borders' ‘fostering community’ with the launch of a series of drop-in sessions.

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, from May 15 to 28, staff from the council’s Family Placement Team will available to answer questions.

The events are part of the local authority’s 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.

There is a particular need for carers who would be interested in supporting older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

Carers are also needed to provide short breaks for children with complex needs and disabilities. This involves providing weekend breaks and short term periods of care for children who continue to live at home with their parents.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, SBC’s executive member for developing our children and young people, said: “All children have the right to grow up in a loving and stable home supported by people who can love them, be ambitious for them and help them achieve their potential. Unfortunately there are some circumstances where they are unable to live with their birth families and need to be cared for by foster carers.

“Every day in homes across the Borders, our dedicated team of carers have made the commitment to do all they can to support some of our region’s most vulnerable children and young people. They 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 this close-knit and vitally important fostering community, please get in touch. The drop-in sessions are an excellent way of finding out more and asking any questions you might have.

“Staff can explain about all the benefits of working with our Family Placement Team including the payments and allowances that you’ll be entitled to and details of the training and support that is provided. If you’re unable to make it to any of the sessions, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone at a time that suits you as enquiries are always welcome.”

The following events will take place:

Thursday, May 18: Topiary Coffee Shop, Mayfield Garden Centre, Kelso; 10am-12pm

Friday, May 19: Teviotdale Leisure Centre Café, Hawick; 11am-2pm

Thursday, May 25: Greenhouse Café, Milestone Garden Centre, Newtown St Boswells; 10am-12pm

Friday, May 26: Greenhouse Café, Milestone Garden Centre, Newtown St Boswells; 11am to 2pm

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