Then South Lanarkshire Council’s Fostering Team want to hear from you.

An informal information evening will be held online between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 21 September.

It’s easy to find out more – to book a place email or call 01355 806969.

The View recently caught up with Anne, who has been a foster carer with South Lanarkshire for 12 years, six of them as a single carer. She originally cared for younger children, but as her birth children got older she felt drawn to helping teenagers.

She said: “Yes, teens bring other types of challenges but overall, I found that I enjoyed the banter and the lure of being able to venture out after 6.30 pm and not have to rush home for bedtime a huge bonus to us all.

“I recently took the kids on a last-minute camping trip, they loved it, they helped unpack the car, put the tent up, make the beds and help cook the food. I certainly would not have embarked on that trip with little ones. 

“There are many more positives than negatives. I feel I can negotiate and communicate with the young people in my care.

“I find the current issues relating to social media and the dangers relating to child exploitation online to be a challenge, as it’s an ever-changing field and I’ve found online training essential to keep me up to date on the risks and how to promote online safety. 

“I feel I have helped lots of young people reach their potential, I had a young girl arrive on my doorstep, she came to me on an emergency basis and was staying for 24 hours, three years later she was still with me doing a college course and managed to gain good qualifications. That feeling of successfully steering a young person on the right road is immeasurable.

“Also offering a consistent welcoming open door, even when the kids have long since flown is positive practice. The young girl I mentioned above still comes to visit and has dinner with the family regularly. Imagine leaving home and not be able to go home for visits or to get your washing done or borrow a tin of beans from time to time!

“I have first-hand experience of the practical help and support the fostering and throughcare team have to offer. They can advise on further education, housing and financial support. They all have a vast knowledge of helping young people navigate their way into adulthood.”

To find out more about becoming a Foster Carer you can come along to the information evening, email or call 01355 806969.