|
25 March 2009 |
100% Increase in Vulnerable Babies - Maclaren Appeals for Carers |
|
An appeal has been launched to encourage more people to help care for vulnerable babies in Edinburgh. The number of babies being referred for temporary foster care because of parental substance misuse has doubled in the last year meaning the city is in desperate need of more carers.
Cllr Marilyne MacLaren made the appeal today ahead of the launch of a unique training DVD to help people who look after vulnerable babies.
City Leader for Children & Young People, Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said: "The city's foster carers are dedicated people but the problem we have now is that there aren't enough carers to meet the growing demand. We want the people of Edinburgh to know that a wide range of people can be foster carers.
"Whether you are in your 20s or your 50s, in a couple or single, you can apply as long as you're committed and are willing to help a child who has had a tough start in life."
Cllr MacLaren will also highlight the impact of increasing number of cases on the children's social work sector as a whole. She said, ahead of tomorrow's event:
"The increasing number of cases means that social workers are stretched and services can't be sustained or improved without adequate investment.
"It's a vicious cycle - if we don't have the resources to tackle the problem at its source then we will see more vulnerable babies. I'll be approaching the Scottish Government to ask them to revisit the issue and to take action because if things don't change, the lives of vulnerable children will get even harder."
Ninety nine babies under six months old were referred for foster placement in 2008 which is double the number from the previous year. Fifty of those babies were referred before they were born and two thirds of all the babies were suffering from the effects of alcohol or drug addiction as a result of the mother's addiction problems.
As a result, babies affected often suffer from a range of physical, cognitive and emotional problems and need extra care. A majority, but not all of these babies were placed with foster carers. Some went home to parents or extended family members (often grandparents), usually with support and supervision built in.
The training DVD will be launched on 26th March at the Filmhouse on Lothian Road. Media are invited to attend. Cllr MacLaren and foster carers are available for interviews ahead of and during the event. Please call the media office for more information.
Notes to Editors The training DVD launch will take place at the Filmhouse from 10am on Thursday 26th March. Interviews with Cllr MacLaren and carers from 10am. Cllr MacLaren will introduce DVD screening at 10.50.
In attendance will be carers, staff, those involved in creating the DVD, reps from NHS and other local authorities/agencies who may be interested in purchasing the DVD.
The DVD focuses on babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a cluster of signs/symptoms that affect new born babies whose mothers have used a variety of substances during their pregnancy.
The term "vulnerable baby" means a baby who has been affected by parental substance misuse (drugs and/ or alcohol) in the womb.
Those interested in becoming a foster carer should call 0800 174 833 or visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering |
|
Media Contact: |
|
Tel No.: |
|
Fax No.: |