Mikaela West recently joined Falkirk Council as communications officer, focusing on fostering, kinship and adoption. Here, she tells us about her role and the importance of fostering in the area.

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I’ve recently started a role that’s brand new to Falkirk Council - Communications Officer with the Family Placement Team.

The team does amazing work supporting children who unfortunately can no longer live with their parents, whether that’s through foster or kinship care, or adoption.

Falkirk Council has a shortage of foster carers meaning some local children are placed far away from their homes, schools, friends and families.

We are on a mission to help keep Falkirk children closer to home, and part of how we can do that is to recruit more foster carers.

Why am I telling you this?

I’m unashamedly asking for your help. We’re holding a Fostering Open Evening on Wednesday 30 March, and we need your help in spreading the word.

All the information is on our Eventbrite page - please share with any colleagues, friends or family members who might be interested in fostering.

There is no ‘typical’ foster carer, and it is possible to foster alongside your job, so who knows it might be something you’d love to do yourself. We provide great support (plus a competitive package of fees and allowances) and are with our carers every step of the way.

Fostering is not always a rosy experience, but our carers are adamant that the rewards are more than worth it.

Opportunity knocks

We are exploring all kinds of ways to help us achieve our foster carer recruitment targets. You might find me chapping your virtual door with some seemingly random questions, exploring how you or your team could help our cause.

If you’re reading this and already thinking there’s potential for collaboration, then I’d welcome ideas with open ears - send me an email and let’s talk.