A MOTHER and daughter from Peebles have been recognised for their commitment to fostering at a ceremony on Monday.

Chris Muir and daughter Gemma were among the award winners at the event which celebrates the work of foster carers.

The observance was part of a conference to bring professionals and carers together to share information and talk about their experiences.

Chris has been a foster parent along with her husband Wally for 30 years.
She told the Peeblesshire News: “It was lovely to be invited to this event today and for everyone to be recognised for all their hard work.

“Each of us will have slightly different reasons for deciding to foster but we all share a common bond of wanting the best for children and young people who for whatever reason can’t stay in their family home,” she added.

“As long term carers ourselves, our aim is to provide a safe, caring, loving homely environment for children to develop and grow with the stability and support they need to ensure a brighter future. Long term care can potentially change a child’s future, even for generations to come, and we couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

And daughter Gemma says she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps and has been fostering for the last five years.

She added: “Having grown up in a family who opened their doors to children and young people needing support, I decided to foster myself as I feel that every child deserves a stable family life where they can be nurtured, loved and have their needs met.

“Fostering allows the children to see the world from a different view and provides the foundation for them to work from to build a happy and stable future.

“Of course there are challenges, as there are in any family, but it’s a hugely rewarding profession and I would encourage anyone who might be thinking of it to get in touch with the team to find out more.”

Scottish Borders Council are looking for more people to help youngsters across the region and carers are provided with full training and are paid an allowance to cover costs.

The local authority’s Executive Member for Social Work and Housing, Councillor Frances Renton said: “Every day, across the Borders, our dedicated team of foster carers make a difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people.

“They open their homes and their hearts at a time when these youngsters need it most, providing them with a family environment that provides the stability, security and love that for whatever reason is missing from their lives. 

“It is therefore hugely important that we take the time to acknowledge and thank them for the significant contribution they make.”

If you are interested in fostering, contact the Family Placement Team on 01896 662799 or visit: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/fostering