£900,000 for organisations working with birth parents.

Parents who have had a child taken into care will receive support from community services through £900,000 of Scottish Government funding this year.

The annual investment, delivered through the Corra Foundation, will be shared in 2024-25 by 11 organisations who work closely with birth parents who see their mental health decline following their child being moved into care.

Many of these parents have dealt with multiple traumatic life events, such as childhood trauma, substance misuse, mental health issues or experience of domestic abuse.

The community organisations work to help empower birth parents to take control of their lives, develop new skills and build their self-confidence.

The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so.

“Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of the child, as it can be a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family.

“These situations often leave birth parents feeling isolated and it is essential that they have access to support.

“Feedback from birth parents involved in the programme to date has been extremely positive, with some calling it ‘life changing’. I am pleased that the Scottish Government is continuing to support the Corra Foundation, along with all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”