A north-east couple have spoken about their experiences of fostering children as shocking new figures show the number of children needing looked after has soared.
Charity Barnardo’s has revealed that the number of Scottish youngsters in foster care has risen by almost a third in the last decade.
At its last count, there were 5,252 children being cared for on a temporary basis in around 4,000 households across the country.
The organisation has now called for more people from all backgrounds to come forward to help make sure vulnerable children have a loving family to help them when in need.
While many potential foster carers are put off by the potential difficulties they may face, Aberdeen couple Helen and Alan Rogers said the process could also be very rewarding.
The pair have helped a number of children in recent years. Their first child was an eight-year-old boy on the autistic spectrum who they welcomed in on an emergency basis.
Mr Rogers said: “He always really wanted to be social but didn’t have the skills to do so.
“He was quite quiet, a bit nervous, and didn’t really know how to interact with people although he liked school and we supported him to help him make friends and know how to be a good friend.”
The youngster stayed with the couple for 18 months, and Mrs Rogers said he was an “absolute delight” and had completely come out of his shell during his time with them.
“By the time he left he had played Joseph in his school’s nativity,” she said.
“He actually stood up in front of the whole school and played the part and he could have actually told you everyone’s lines, not just his own.
“It was amazing.”
Mr Rogers added: “To see how this young boy had changed over the 18 months he had been with us was wonderful.
“His confidence and social skills had grown and he felt more able to cope in new situations.
“We were so proud of him.
“We’re also both so proud to be foster carers and to be able to make a difference to children who need it.”
Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, Martin Crewe, said: “Being a foster carer can be a challenge but it’s also incredibly rewarding and gives children the love, care and life skills they need to build better and brighter futures.
“I want to thank all of our amazing foster carers for helping us transform children’s lives.
“And I would urge anyone considering becoming a foster carer to get in touch to find out more.”
For more information visit barnardos.org.uk/fostering or call 0800 0277 280.
