More foster carers needed in Scotland says children's charity, The Adolescent and Children's Trust

Monday, 20 April 2009 12:00 AM

The Adolescent and Children's Trust (TACT), the UK's largest charity provider of fostering and adoption services, has recently opened its first Scottish office in Edinburgh. TACT's core work is providing fostering placements for children in the care of local authorities. The opening of TACTs Scottish office is timely. At present, there are 1,315 looked after children in the Edinburgh area alone. Unfortunately, there is also a lack of suitable foster placements available.

Across Scotland there is a need for about 1,700 extra carers. TACT's initial focus will be to recruit suitable carers not just in the Edinburgh area but throughout Scotland. However, as a children's charity TACT is also committed to campaigning on behalf of children and young people in care and on the edges of care. Looked after children experience systemic discrimination through childhood and beyond. Issues range from difficulties at school to experiences in the criminal justice system, from accommodation on leaving care to contact with siblings. As TACT establishes its presence in Scotland, we will be working to persuade politicians, journalists and policy makers of the importance of positive care policies.

TACT's charitable ethos goes to the heart of our work. All profits are re-invested into ensuring that carers and the young people they look after get all the support and help they need. Looked after children in Scotland are not to blame for the fact they are in care. TACT is committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to enjoy their childhood and reach their potential as adults.

If you are interested in finding out more about TACT's work in Scotland, or are interested in becoming a foster carer call our office on 0131 446 3940 or email scotlandenquiries@tactcare.org.uk

Notes to editors

. For further information about fostering for TACT visit our website, www.tactcare.org.uk

. The Adolescent and Children's Trust (TACT) is the UK's largest charity provider of fostering and adoption services. Our core work involves providing high quality and well supported fostering or adoptive families for children and young people in the care of local authorities. Working in partnership with local authorities from our offices across England, Wales and Scotland, we are dedicated to providing creative, effective and outcome-focused services. We also campaign on behalf of children and young people in care, carers and adoptive families.

ENDS

Tags: