The Scottish Government is continuing its support to parents who have had their child(ren) taken into care through almost £1m of mental health funding.
With the experience of having your child taken into care a traumatic one, the Scottish Government programme aims to help people turn their lives around, build skills, and improve their confidence—some have described the scheme as “life-changing”.
“The Scottish Government is committed to keeping The Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so,” explained Scotland’s health secretary, Neil Gray. “Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of that child. It is a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family, and doesn’t just stop.”
He continued: “Sadly it is often the case that birth parents are left with little support after their child is taken into care – leaving them isolated having to deal with the situation alone, often when they are at their lowest point. However, much evidence and positive outcomes have been gathered by those working with birth parents as part of this programme.”
The investment for 2024/25 will total £900k and be shared by 11 organisations. It will be delivered by the Corra Foundation, which is a charity that helps the Scottish Government deliver the services necessary to support parents who have seen their mental health deteriorate who have had at least one child taken into care. Many of the people accessing the programme have been through several traumatic life events. This includes:
- Childhood trauma
- Substance misuse
- Mental health issues
- Domestic abuse
The Corra Foundation’s CEO, Carolyn Sawers, said: “The funded services provide vital support to birth mums and dads. The relational, compassionate support the organisations provide means birth parents feel safe, valued and cared for.”
Neil Gray concluded: “Feedback from birth parents involved in the programme to date has been extremely positive, with some calling it ‘life changing’. I am pleased we can continue this and show our appreciation for the Corra Foundation and all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”
The fund received £435k last year and was established in 2022 with an initial £800k.
Image credit: iStock
![[Left to right] Prof. Ronan Killeen - Consultant Radiologist at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Andy Wilks - Head of Enterprise Services for Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Edel O’Keeffe - Director of Finance at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Ghada Trotabas - Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Brian Fitzgerald - Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent's Private Hospital with Grania Heal – Country Head for Ireland at Siemens Healthineers, and Rob Ruttledge](/sites/nhe/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-09/Press%20release%20image-24.jpg?itok=gHKP-rtG)
