Scottish foster care shortage worsens

The shortage of foster carers in Scotland has risen 8 per cent
in two years taking the total to 700, according to the Fostering
Network, writes Shirley Kumar.

The Scotland survey was based on 26 councils and takes the
overall shortage of foster carers in the UK to 10,000. This
represents a 28 per cent increase since the last figure of 7,800 in
2002.

The charity wants the Scottish Executive to introduce a national
minimum allowance and to fund councils so they give the rate to all
carers.