Foster carers come from all walks of life and a wide range of ages and domestic settings.

National statistics show that the majority of foster carers come from either caring or blue light professions and deeper research has shown that this is because teachers, nurses, doctors, police and prison officers are on the frontline. They often see the fall-out when things go wrong in families and they want to help turn around the life chances of a young person in need of structure, love and a safe home.

Children may need a foster home for just a few days or for an extended period of time and for a variety of reasons. This could include a parent going into hospital, a parent not coping because of substance misuse or mental ill-health or that a child has experienced abuse or neglect.

All foster carers will receive a full package of training and support provided by South Lanarkshire Council’s family placement team, which includes a dedicated supervising social worker, short respite breaks and round-the-clock access to advice.

If you are over 21-years-old, have a spare room and are interested in making a difference to a child’s future, visit the fostering page on the South Lanarkshire Council website (www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk) or contact the family placement team on 0303 123 1008.