By Eric Nicolson

MORE MONEY is to be directed to foster carers in an effort to revive interest in the service in Perth and Kinross.

The local authority yesterday announced an increase in allowances that will kick in from next month.

The new payments for foster carers is in line with recommendations made by the Fostering Network.

This means that a foster carer will receive annual allowances ranging from £6641 to £11,454 per year, depending on the age of the child, and weekly fees of between £50 and £150 per week, depending on their own skills and experience.

The CARE4 specialist scheme, for individual young people with complex needs, provides fees of £23,000 per year.

The council is introducing the increased rates as another step in trying to recruit valued foster carers, particularly for sibling groups and youngsters with complex needs.

Councillor Elizabeth Grant, convener of the lifelong learning committee, said, “There are many different reasons why some children cannot rely on their families for the care they need but instead have to turn to others…

“Foster carers play such an important role in helping children, who are facing the world without a supportive family, to have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and develop into confident and successful adults.

“It is one of the most rewarding roles you could have. It also requires commitment and effort.

“In recognition of this, the council is increasing allowances to help attract and retain the foster carers our vulnerable children need. If you feel you may be interested please contact us to find out more.”

Maxine Scott, who has been a foster carer for eight years, said, “Fostering is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week commitment and is also a challenging, changing and very rewarding profession.

“A huge variety of children and young people require fostering at some stage in their lives and the support, assistance and space that foster carers provide can make an immeasurable difference to young people’s lives.”

Maureen Watson, a foster carer for 17 years, added, “Fostering enjoys sound support from a range of services but it also requires sound financial support, so this news is very welcome.

“Foster caring is becoming recognised as a professional vocation with opportunities for advancement and Perth and Kinross offer a wide range of training for carers. We hope that this, along with the supports and new allowance rates, will help to boost recruitment and counter a national shortage of foster carers.”

For more information about being a foster carer contact Sally Andrews, social worker, family placement team, Colonsay Resource Centre, tel 01738 626940, or Email ecsfosteringandadoption @pkc.gov.uk.