A Scottish fostering agency has just received a ‘good and very good’ result from the Care Inspectorate for the care provided to children and young people using its service.
Fosterplus Scotland has been commended on the support given to foster carers and the ‘sense of belonging’ provided to children and young people.
The inspection involved two inspectors from the Care Inspectorate talking to 13 Fosterplus carers, 14 members of staff, six placing social workers from different local authorities, and collecting comments from care experienced children and young people and other professionals.
Children’s and young people’s feedback on the service contributed to the overall grading provided to fostering agencies, comments included:
‘I love my foster mum and brother, I am so lucky to have them and be part of my family,’ and ‘I live like a prince and have a loving king and queen mum and dad.’
Other positive feedback for the agency included prioritising consistency of care for young people, breaking down barriers to education for care-experienced young people, and fostering a sense of community for carers and young people through activities and events.
The inspection report stated that
‘Children and young people experienced supportive, enduring relationships with fostering families that provided them with a sense of belonging’ and ‘Children were supported to maintain meaningful relationships with extended family members and were involved in the wider community.’
Leadership of the agency was described as ‘inclusive and enabling’ and allowing ‘caregiver families and staff to nurture relationships with the people they care for.’
Chrise Grundy Hoban is the operations manager for the agency, she said:
“We strive for a strong sense of community for every person involved in the work we do to care for children and young people who have possibly not had the best start in their lives. The feedback from our children and young people is amazing and gives us a great sense of pride in the work we do.
“Our foster carers are remarkable people who do so much for our children and young people by providing safe, caring and loving environments with support from our skilled staff.
“We are so proud of the care and support we offer to our foster carers, children and young people and we will continue to ensure they are given every opportunity to have the best outcomes in their lives.
“We hope that more prospective foster carers will get in touch to find out how they can make a difference to children and young people across Scotland.”
More foster carers are needed at a growing rate throughout Scotland as the number of care-experienced children continues to rise.
For more information on fostering with Fosterplus, part of the Polaris Community, visit their website here or call 0800 369 8512.
