​Organisation created following demise of British Association for Adoption and Fostering

A new fostering charity has been created to help alleviate growing numbers of children being brought up in care.

The Adoption and Fostering Alliance Scotland (AFAS) will provide support services following the closure of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) earlier this year.

As well as being responsible for training and providing consultancy, a new helpline for the public and professionals will be created.

The move follows the appointment of St Andrew's Children's Society to run Scotland's Adoption Register in July.

We will strive to promote permanently better lives for children in Scotland

Aileen Campbell, minister for children and young people, said: "We know that having a secure, stable and supportive home is vital to a child's well-being.

“When children are no longer able to live at home it is vital that there are effective services in place with knowledgeable, confident professionals who can support children into appropriate, alternative care placements.

"The importance of maintaining the services that match and keeps them together is clear.

“It impacts the young person's mental and physical health, improves their performance in school and sets them on the road to a successful and fulfilling life and this must be a priority for us all."

Rhona Pollock, legal consultant at AFAS, added: "We are delighted to be able to offer an independent, multi-disciplinary Scottish voice that supports those involved with children and families and those affected by adoption, fostering and kinship care.

"We will strive to promote permanently better lives for children in Scotland and look forward to working with other agencies in achieving this."

It is expected all staff from BAAF Scotland will transfer to the new organisation.