Commenting on figures published in a Yougov/Quarriers survey today show 51 per cent of current and potential foster carers would foster a child with a mobility disability, Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson for young people Liam McArthur MSP said:

“Foster carers contribute hugely to our society, providing love and support for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our community.

“These figures reinforce the need to encourage more people to put themselves forward as foster carers, a key theme of the upcoming Foster Care fortnight. However, they emphasise the particular difficulties faced by children needing such support who also have a disability.

“These are points I have raised with Ministers during previous parliamentary debates on meeting the needs of our looked after children. I hope Ministers will use this year’s campaign to re-double their efforts to secure an increase in overall numbers of those willing to foster. As well as raising awareness, this will require better support and reducing the burdens on foster carers.

“There must also be a renewed focus, however, in ensuring the needs of those with disabilities are better met”.