Ayr fostering agency celebrating the carers who are looking after siblings
Since 2018, a growing number of siblings have come into care.
New legislation means local authorities have a legal duty to ensure siblings stay together
Submitted by Molly Grant
Local foster parents are being praised for their work in keeping siblings together.
Fosterplus - an independent foster agency based in Ayr, Ayrshire & Arran - believes it is vital for siblings to be able to stay together.
Lorraine and Robert Paterson, foster parents supported by Fosterplus, have been fostering for over a decade.
During that time, they have had experiences with fostering siblings.
Lorraine said: "The two girls we have now settled in really well and enjoy having each other around.
"They do stick up for each other, so you have to try and find ways to give them both the exact same time and attention.
"The older sibling found it hard when they came to our home because she had technically been a mother figure for her younger sister for a few years, but they both have come to terms of accepting me as their mother figure.
"We often read a book and to begin with, neither girl had read a book before they came here and now, I can’t get the book out of their hands.
"That is a fantastic achievement."
Until 2021, there was no legislation in place that gave siblings legal rights to maintain their relationships.
This meant that siblings in need of foster care could often be separated.
New legislation now means local authorities have a legal duty to ensure siblings are supported to stay together, where appropriate.
Chrise Grundy Hoban, head of operations for Fosterplus Scotland, said: “The number of children who enter the foster care system is staggering.
"Many of these children are brothers and sisters who are often required to live apart due to the limited number of foster parents who are open to caring for siblings.
"This legislation is an incredibly important step forward for brothers and sisters in care in Scotland and we will continue to ensure the children who enter our care are happy, healthy and well-looked after."
Lorraine said: "Definitely consider fostering, even if you just think it might be something you want to do.
"Attend the information evenings, speak to other foster parents because I can guarantee you, it will totally change your life.
"Fostering is not a job, it is a life-changing experience, but it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
"I absolutely love it and I wouldn’t change it for the world."
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