THE Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight 2018 is highlighting the vital contribution foster carers make across the UK and the situation is no different in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area where a many young people have benefitted greatly from the experience.

Fife Council foster carers are joining the national campaign declaring they are ‘Proud to Foster’.

And the hope is that more people will come forward and get involved to make a massive difference to children who for one reason or another do not have parental backing. But another key element is what the experience can give to foster carers, which in many ways can be life changing.

Children of all age groups can benefit greatly from a foster parent.

Councillor Fay Sinclair, convener of Fife Council’s Education & Children's Services Committee, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to showcase how foster care doesn't just transform the lives of the young people who are fostered, it also has the power to change the lives of foster carers, their families and all those who are involved in fostering.

"For children a family is like food and shelter - a basic requirement. Belonging is an important aspect of seeing value and meaning in life and having a healthy sense of self-worth. Families provide the first and most important experience of belonging and foster families play a vital role where children can’t live with their birth family.”

Foster carer Laura Sweeny, said: “I decided to become a Foster Carer because I wanted to give a child stability and security.

"Before I fostered I didn’t think I had special skills but I’ve realised that I can help a child through a tough situation just by being me.

"The children I’ve cared for have needed me and I’ve been there for them.

"I am proud to foster. It’s not always easy but Fife Council has given me training and lots of support.”

Dougie Dunlop, Head of Education & Children's Services said: “Foster carers can transform the lives of vulnerable children by giving them all the benefits of being part of a family.

"We urgently need people who can care for older children, help sibling groups stay together and provide permanent homes.

"We are calling on people who have the right skills and qualities to foster to come forward and help a child belong".

To find out more about how to start fostering go to foster.fife.scot and enquire online or call on 01383 602235.