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Recognition for West Lothian Foster Carers as appeal begins

A group of foster carers have been congratulated after over 30 years of dedicating their time to looking after young people in West Lothian.

16 November
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Maureen & John Imrie and Sandra Milburn were recently presented with awards on behalf of West Lothian Council as a way of thanking them for all of their efforts over the past three decades

Reflecting on their time as foster carers, Maureen and John Imrie said: "When we started fostering we were focusing on taking sibling groups as we felt quite strongly that siblings should be placed together where possible. We also chose to care for teenagers and children with special needs. We have had some young children who came to us as toddlers and they left when they were in their twenties. We would do it all over again - it is not a job for the faint hearted and it requires good sense of humour!"

When asked about her experience over the years, Sandra Milburn said: "Fostering has been rewarding and challenging. I have enjoyed all aspects of it."

Executive councillor for social policy, Angela Doran passed on her congratulations saying: "Congratulations and thank you to Maureen & John Imrie and Sandra Milburn. It is a tribute to their time, dedication and efforts that they have spent so many years fostering here in West Lothian. They have helped to change the lives of many young people for the better and their hard work and commitment will result in a lifelong connection supporting young people into their adulthood."

This recognition comes as an appeal seeking more foster carers in West Lothian begins.

West Lothian Council is looking for foster carers to provide care to our young people aged between 11-18 years old.

Councillor Doran added: "We need more people like Maureen, John and Sandra to help provide vulnerable young people with a safe and loving home. At the moment in West Lothian there is a need for people to foster children in their teenage years. Fostering a child is an incredible commitment but the reward of providing a young person with a secure environment to grow and develop will far outweigh any negatives. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer then please get in touch with the Children and Family Placement Team. You could be making an immeasurable difference on the life of a young person."

Email C&FFamilyPlacementTeam@westlothian.gov.uk or call 01506 284440 if you think you could make a difference.