At least 850 new foster families are needed across Scotland this year, according to new figures from the Fostering Network and it has emerged three children in Dundee are awaiting a family placement.
The national charity said that despite an increase in the total number of fostering households during the last year, hundreds more are still needed as the number of children in care in Scotland rose for an 11th year in a row, and is continuing to rise.
Dundee Council’s convener of social work and health, Ken Lynn, encouraged people in Dundee to consider becoming foster carers.
He said: “We are always looking for foster carers and adoptive families, especially for 5 to 15-year-olds, groups of brothers and sisters, and children/young people with special needs.
“This is challenging, but very rewarding, and I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to call the council.”
On any one day, there are more than 5,000 children living with foster families in Scotland, with hundreds more coming in and out of care throughout the year.
When any placement breaks down children have to move on, sometimes more than once, leading to them suffering more disruption in their already traumatic lives.
Sara Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland, said: “Despite fostering services attracting more people to become foster carers, the continuing rise of the number of children coming into care means hundreds more are still needed.
“In particular, we know that fostering services are looking for foster carers to offer homes to teenagers, children with disabilities and sibling groups.
“These children need a stable family to help them grow and achieve their potential.
“By becoming a foster carer people can help children to have the best possible opportunity for a positive future, to do well at school and be successful in later life.
“Fostering services are looking for people from all walks of life to become foster carers, of all ages, and from single people to large families.
“What matters is that they have a desire to work with children and the right skills.”
Anyone interested in fostering and adoption in Dundee should ring 01382 436060.