Scotland has over 4,500 foster children

Scotland's foster children are being moved around too much, causing disruption and instability, according to a report.

The study, entitled Voices From Care, is based on a survey by the Fostering Network which found that almost two thirds of affected children have lived in three or more foster homes.

And 10% had been moved more than 10 times while in foster care.

The survey also found that fostered children are not being given enough information about their moves.

Almost a quarter said they had no knowledge of where they were being moved to, while 30% were offered no details about the family they were moving in with.

Local authorities must work to give these children the support, training and recognition they need and deserve Kausar Karim, Fostering Network

Key findings of the research will be presented at the Fostering Network's young people's national conference in Edinburgh on Friday.

Kausar Karim, of the Fostering Network in Scotland, said: "This new research clearly highlights the need for more investment in foster care, to help local authorities increase the pool of carers and reduce the number of times each child is moved thereby limiting disruption to their lives.

"The report makes clear that fostered children and young people continue to say that their voices are not being heard in decisions made about their lives.

"It is essential that they should have greater involvement before they are moved from home to home.

"Local authorities must also do more to help fostered children keep in closer contact with family and friends while more regular visits from social workers can help prevent placement breakdown.

When you're in foster care you can basically turn round and say I've got a mum and dad Former foster child

"The role of sons and daughters of foster carers is also being undervalued.

"Local authorities must work to give these children the support, training and recognition they need and deserve."

Angela Young grew up in foster care.

She said: Most kids in care feel different because they don't have a mum or dad.

"Most kids in school tease them - 'You dont have a mum or day, you're different'.

"When you're in foster care you can basically turn round and say I've got a mum and dad."

There are more than 4,500 fostered children living with around 2,200 foster families in Scotland.

The Fostering Network aims to ensure they receive the highest standards of care possible.

The charity's survey is based on responses from 111 children and young people in foster care and 102 sons and daughters of foster carers aged four and up.