Campaign to recruit new foster families must go on
Well, as with many things, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.
Across Scotland, we have a growing need for more foster families, with recent statistics highlighting a shortfall of around 400 families needed across the country to provide safe, loving homes for children who, for various reasons, cannot remain with their birth families.
At Kibble Fostering, we are striving to bridge this gap by actively recruiting potential foster carers to come forward and take on this incredible, life-changing role. However, this is not without its challenges.
Despite the visibility brought by John Lewis' campaign, we are still facing a significant shortage of available foster parents, and barriers remain in ensuring that fostering services are sufficiently funded and supported.
The advert brought fostering into the national spotlight and was a catalyst for much-needed conversations about the role of foster carers and the urgent need for more families to open their homes to vulnerable children.
The Scottish Government has made important strides in addressing this issue, most recently launching a national campaign aimed at recruiting more foster carers across Scotland – a positive and much-needed step in tackling the shortfall. This renewed call for carers recognises the vital role foster families play and seeks to boost both awareness and action across the country.
There is a growing recognition that fostering needs to be supported in a sustainable way – with initiatives focused on improving training, offering more professional support, and reducing the financial strain for foster families. This is something that Kibble is entirely committed to and collectively working alongside the sector to achieve.
Despite these welcome commitments, the reality is that services remain stretched. We urgently need more foster families – families who are not only willing but also equipped with the skills and support needed to provide care.
Fostering is not just about providing a temporary place to stay; it's about creating stability, safety, and a sense of long-term belonging for children who have often experienced trauma in their early years.
John Lewis's 2022 Christmas advert did more than just raise awareness – it ignited a national conversation. But we cannot afford to let that conversation fizzle out.
If we are to maintain momentum, we must ensure that funding, support, and most importantly, the number of foster families increase to meet demand. That's why organisations like Kibble remain focused on finding and supporting new foster carers – doing our part to close the gap and ensure no child is left without the care they need.
After all, fostering is not a seasonal effort – it's a lifetime commitment to the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable children. Now, more than ever, we must act on the spirit of that campaign and transform it into lasting change.
Sandy Mayhew is Executive Director, Kibble
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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