Fostering services are on a mission to bust the myths surrounding fostering and encourage people to come forward to provide children with safe, loving and stable homes.

An informal information evening at the Park Hotel in Falkirk on 26 March aims to increase the number of carers in the Falkirk Council area by dispelling misconceptions about the role.

Social workers will deliver a short presentation and visitors will be able to speak with current foster carers about their experiences and the part they play in providing a better future for young people.

Councillor Linda Gow, spokesperson for Health and Social Care said: “Any individual or couple can foster and we will offer applicants our full support throughout the process.

“We need more carers to ensure children who are from the Falkirk Council area can stay in the area, continue to attend their school and have contact with their families.

“We require carers for both long and short term care and in particular teenagers and sibling groups. An increase in carer numbers would really benefit sibling groups coming into care as they often have to be split up and that is a concern for us.”

Many people are unaware that foster carers receive allowances depending on the age and number of children as well as a fee for their work. Applicants are considered regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and employment status and are not required to be married, have their own children or even own their own home

There is no such thing as a typical foster carer, but those interested in becoming one must:

• Have the time and energy to devote to a child
• Be understanding and patient
• Be flexible and non-judgemental
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Have a sense of humour

To register for the event, please contact the fostering team on 01324 508656.

For more information on fostering, visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/fostering