Edinburgh Council has reported a dramatic rise in the number of vulnerable babies referred to foster placements over the past year.
Ninety-nine infants younger than six months were referred for temporary care in 2008, double the number from the previous year. Half the babies were referred before they were born and two-thirds were suffering from the effects of their mother's alcohol addiction.
The council attributed the rise in referrals to an increase in parental substance misuse and put out a call for more carers to offer help.
Marilyne MacLaren, city leader for children and families, said demand for carers was high and urged "committed and willing" people to come forward.
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