‘Intensive fostering’ service launched in Orkney

With the launch of a new “Intensive Fostering” service, a drop-in event is taking place at the Orkney Library this afternoon for folk wanting to find out more.

Intensive fostering will work alongside existing foster care in the county to provide specialist family-based care for children with high levels of need. It will also, says the OIC, provide extra capacity, respite and support for the wider fostering team.

Orkney Health and Care’s Marie O’Sullivan explained:  “It’s about providing family-based care for children and young people who – due to lots of change and uncertainty in early childhood – need a more intensive level of care and support, and who in the past have often had to be cared for outside of Orkney.”

The Intensive Fostering service will involve recruiting what are known as “full-time, professional foster carers” – a role which brings increased levels of responsibility, matched with increased remuneration, learning and support.

The Intensive Fostering drop-in session will run from noon until 2pm in the MacGillvary Room at the Orkney Library and Archive, Kirkwall.