Concern that foster care services are dealing with "marked increase" in babies from drug-abusing families

14 August 2010

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has expressed concern that foster care services in the Highlands are dealing with a "marked increase" in babies from drug-abusing families.

The extent of the problem was revealed in a report by Highland Council's joint committee for children and young people which also revealed that more "out of control" primary-aged boys and older children who had been "young carers" are being accommodated.
 

The local authority has 172 children currently placed with foster carers.

Mr Stewart said: "I recently visited the CHILDREN 1ST Family Resource Centre at Killen on the Black Isle and learned all about the challenges facing carers of young people whose parents are drug abusers.

"I sincerely hope all those involved in caring for young people are given the appropriate resources to deal with this growing problem."