FESTIVAL FILM EXPLORES LIFE IN FOSTERING FAMILY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER 2009
SONS AND DAUGHTERS of foster carers will be appearing on the big screen as part of the Document 7 International Human Rights Film Festival in Glasgow this week (21-25 October).
Clips from a series of films entitled Forgotten Voices, made by foster carers’ own children and those who have grown up in foster care, will be shown at the Centre of Contemporary Arts on Saturday 24 October. The series explores the experience of growing up in a fostering family from different perspectives.
The screening is one of the highlights of an annual Sons and Daughters campaign from the Fostering Network Scotland celebrating the vital role that foster carers’ own children play in the success of fostering. All local councillors in Scotland have been invited to the screening and throughout October fostering services have been running events and sending out thousands of thank you cards to sons and daughters.
Research shows the relationship between foster carers’ own children and those in their care can make or break a placement. Sons and daughters have a lot of responsibility placed on them at a young age; if they are not given the right support the placement can break down and some families consider giving up fostering.
The Fostering Network Scotland believes that all children of foster carers should have access to a regular support group, and is encouraging all fostering services to establish one in their area.
Sara Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland, said: “We are so pleased that Forgotten Voices is being screened at this important festival, and we are delighted that local councillors have shown so much interest in the issues raised by the film.
“Foster carers’ own children make a huge difference to fostering but too often their voices go unheard. We believe that access to regular groups with interesting and exciting activities is a critical part of the support available to sons and daughters. The opportunity to share their experiences and offer advice to others in the same position will help them to understand the part they play in a foster family.”
Kieran Guckian, the son of a foster carer who starred in and helped produce Forgotten Voices, said: “As an only child, growing up in a family that fosters has helped me to understand what it is like to have a sibling. Some of my friends ask if I find it hard to share my family, but I don’t mind as I know the children need the help my family can give them.
“There are challenges - fostering services don’t always consider me when important decisions are made and I would like more support, but it feels great to know that you are helping a child who can’t be looked after in their own home.”
ENDS
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For more information contact the Fostering Network on 020 7620 6425 or email
Notes to Editors:
- The screening will be held at the Centre of Contemporary Arts, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, from 1.15pm to 2.15pm on Saturday 24 October. It is one of a number of films made by Scottish young people that will be shown at the event. It is open to all young people aged 14+. To book call the box office on 0141 352 4900 or visit http://cca-glasgow.com.
2. Around 6,160 children are looked after away from home on any given day in Scotland. Of these, 69 per cent (4,240) live with 3,200 foster families. The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of 1,700 foster families.
3. The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in fostering, and aims to make life better for fostered children and the families that care for them. It has offices in Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and London.