A NEW comprehensive foster care service has provided a stable home for five young people who have previously struggled with placement breakdowns.

Kibble’s Shared Living Foster Care aims to reduce the number of traumatised children living in residential care in Scotland who have experienced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as sexual, emotional and physical abuse and exposure to drug use.

Results from the scheme were shared at an event for a research partnership between Kibble and Strathclyde University, which suggested a need for services other than foster and residential care.

Attendees at the event, chaired by Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, were given a glimpse into life in a Shared Living placement while hearing more about trauma informed care.

Neil McMillan, head of community services at Kibble, said: “Multiple placement breakdowns add further trauma to a young person’s life, while they can also often have detrimental effects on foster carers deciding they are not suited to the job at a time when there is a UK-wide call for hundreds more.

“We’re thrilled that five of our young people have found stability in a safe and appropriate home as we work towards preventing placement breakdowns while addressing past trauma.”