Fife Council's first foster carer conference post-Covid

It was spearheaded by the renowned child psychologist Dr Suzanne Zeedyk who gave an "inspiring and provocative" presentation.

Among those in attendance were Fife couple, Wilma and Arthur Beedie, who have been fostering for 30 years.

She said: “We found Suzanne’s explanation about how babies have emotional connections as soon as they’re born really inspiring and thought provoking.

"It gives us a fresh insight into how the signs a child is feeling frightened or anxious can be missed or misinterpreted.

"We found it very helpful and we’re sure that most people in the room will reflect on things said and shared during the conference.

"It was also the first chance we’ve had to meet up with lots of foster carers we’ve not seen in a long time.”

This conference underscored the significance of foster care in shaping the lives of vulnerable youngsters.

Dr Zeedyk, who has spent 20 years researching at Dundee University, said foster carers have a challenging job in handling so many sets of intense emotions.

She added: "We now know how much relationships shape children’s biology over the long term, which highlights just how much our society asks of foster carers.

“Research shows human beings are born active, observant communicators. From minutes after birth, our brains are looking out for replies from other people.

"It is through the responses babies receive from other people they learn who to trust (and who to doubt). Babies learn to trust before they learn to walk or talk."

She said her aim is to increase awareness of the decisions people take about caring for children.

Currently, Fife Council hosts 208 fostering households, supporting children and young people in various ways.

However, the demand exceeds the number of carers available.

The council is actively working to back foster carers and is particularly interested in recruiting those who can provide placements for teenagers and sibling groups.

For more information, visit www.foster.fife.scot.