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'We need homes for children', says Highland Council after foster website launch


By Andrew Dixon

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Highland Council news.
Highland Council news.

A NEW website has been launched to help people find out how to foster and adopt children.

Highland Council’s fostering and adoption service is behind the move which offers information about what skills and experience are required as well as an assessment process.

Alison Gordon, the council’s fostering and adoption resource manager, said: “We have created this website to try to make it easier for anyone living in the Highlands who is considering fostering or adoption and we have tried to make the process of applying easier.

“We need homes for children of all ages from babies to 18-year-olds. Families are also needed for the adoption of siblings, so they can stay together, as well as children with complex health needs. We work hard to try and keep children in their local communities and in contact with their families.”

The website contains information on the different types of foster carers the council is looking for including temporary, long-term and respite. Also included is information on suitability of applicants as adoptive parents, information on support provided to adopt and also adoption counselling for adults who have been adopted. A section explains how to apply for adoption and what happens after approval. And there are details about the needs of the children and the fees and allowances for carers.

Councillor Linda Munro, chairwoman of the corporate parenting board and vice chairwoman of the council’s care, learning and housing committee, said: “Currently there are 30 children in Highland waiting for their ‘forever family’ to arrive through the council’s fostering and adoption service.

“There also five children waiting for a permanent foster family and 10 children who need a respite foster family and there is always a need for placements for children of all ages who are accommodated due to child protection concerns.

“The council believes that there are many people out there who think about fostering and adopting but never get round to asking about it. There is no ideal foster family or foster carer. What is important is that you have a sense of humour as well as time, energy and commitment.”

The new website is www.highland.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption


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