BOOST FOR FOSTER CARE IN RENFREWSHIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 26, 2010 -- Cllr Tracie McGee (SNP – Johnstone South, Elderslie & Howwood) has welcomed the council’s plans to increase the Renfrewshire Fostering Service. Under plans highlighted at the Community and Family Care Policy Board on Tuesday 23rd February, three additional staff will be employed to help boost this vital service.

Renfrewshire Council is facing budget pressures as the demand for fostering services increase. Across Scotland the number of children being accommodated has risen every year since 2001, with a total increase of more than 18% from 2001 to 2008. In Renfrewshire over 700 children need such support.

One of the key problems however is the cost of purchasing foster services from external organisations – costing over double the cost if the service was provided locally. Cllr Tracie McGee stated, “In 2005 a Best Value Review indicated the need to increase carers in Renfrewshire, and while this has risen from 38 households to 69, more needs to be done. The proposals within this report will help us to provide more fostering locally.” The plans include a payment structure ranging from £380 per week, per child with enhancements for children over 12 (£450) and those with intensive needs (£580).

Cllr Tracie McGee continued,Cllr Tracie McGee “By putting more resources into this service now, it is hoped it can not only reduce costs in the long run but provide more local care for vulnerable children. While I am obviously pleased that the SNP led administration increased the budget for foster services by £2.5million in the last budget, serious questions must be asked of the Labour opposition who turned their back on this issue.