Drive to enlist ethnic carers

A NEW drive has been launched to find more foster carers from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

After a successful campaign last year, the number of people enquiring about fostering opportunities in the Capital doubled. However, Edinburgh has very few black and ethnic minority carers.

The aim is to increase numbers so that children from different cultural, religious and ethnic groups can live with foster carers with similar backgrounds. The city council said matching children with carers from the same background was not always essential but, in some cases, could help a child to cope with their situation.

Children and families convener Paul Godzik said: “We are always looking for new carers to come and work with us to help give our children a safe environment to learn and grow in.”

A series of drop-in sessions start at McDonald Road Library tomorrow and continue next Thursday, from 10am to 1pm. More details are at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering.