Specialist Foster Care
Young people who require a Specialist Foster Care placement are those who without the placement could find themselves in Secure Accommodation or in a Residential School. Young people may have had very troubled, disturbed and disrupted family experiences, including a number of previous breakdowns in foster care or residential placements. Many young people have significant emotional and behavioural difficulties, which may be made worse by the use of drugs or alcohol, leading them to place themselves in risky and vulnerable situations.
Some of these young people find it very difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with adults to the point that they can trust them. These young people will have difficult and challenging behaviour and may find it hard to show affection, to stick to house rules, or to do well in school. These young people need carers who are able to commit to them and manage their challenging behaviour. Through the use of clear boundaries and consistent support and guidance, young people can start to feel safe and secure and part of a family.
Specialist Foster Carers will have at least 3 years experience of looking after children or young people other than their own families. They must also be available at home with no outside employment and will either have a professional qualification, or be willing to obtain a Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level III, with assistance from Angus Council.