Almost 90% of Scots would not consider fostering a child
A children’s charity study shows almost 90% of Scottish adults would not foster a child
As a charity launches a drive to recruit more foster carers, their study finds almost 90% of people in Scotland said they’re unlikely to consider fostering.
The study by Action for Children reveals 88% of Scottish adults, who took part, show little or no interest in fostering.
Now, the charity is claiming vulnerable children face an uncertain future as a result of the attitude.
Paul Carberry, Action for Children's director for Scotland, said: These shocking figures reveal the true scale of the current fostering crisis in Scotland.
Across the country, we have more and more children and young people who desperately need the stability a foster carer can give them yet we have fewer and fewer foster parents.
We are looking for people from across Scotland who can provide a secure and loving home to children who have experienced trauma and loss.''
More than 1,000 people were polled, with only 6% saying it was fairly likely'' and 1% choosingvery likely''.
The findings also highlight that more than half the country's households have a spare room, with three quarters using as a guest bedroom.
Yet few would consider using it to provide a home for one of 800 children in need in Scotland.
One couple who chose to take up the role, Margaret and Maurice Surgeon, now foster two girls at home full-time having brought up their own daughter.
Mr Surgeon said: The first thing is to make sure the young person feels safe and this might take a while.
Once they have the stability and the trust is in place then you start to work on the behaviours. When they begin to feel that it is their home and that they are not just a visitor you can start to see real progress.
You get something out of it for yourself, it's not financial, it's being able to make a difference.''
Mrs Surgeon added: The experience is rewarding. Small things such as one of the girls joining a club or when they call the house 'home'. It all adds up.''
This month, the charity is launching a new drive to recruit more foster carers.