How To Prepare For Your First Foster Child

Working together

Because we really get to know you and your family during the assessment process, we know your strengths and the type of children or young people who will be a good match for you. This helps local authorities choose you as the preferred foster carer for a young person.

Once you’ve been matched to a young person we’ll try to introduce you to them in advance if possible so you can get to know them. You’ll have prepared a welcome booklet for the young person, with pictures of you, your family and your home. This helps bring you and your family to life for them.

Your first foster child

Before you start to foster you’ll be made aware of the child or young person’s history and why they need foster care, together with any specific needs or requirements. But we’ll provide you with all the support and guidance you need. We are there for you every step of the way. You’ll be given the phone numbers of your support team. They’ll be there to help you all day, every day. You’re always welcome to just pop into our local office if you need anything at all!

Here at FCA Scotland we prefer to link our new foster carers with more experienced foster carers to offer some guidance and peer to peer support in the early stages of fostering.

How to welcome a foster child

Welcoming a child or young person into your home for the first time can be both an exciting and nervous time for any foster family. But if you feel anxious can you imagine how children and young people must feel? A new and unfamiliar environment. Where you can take time to prepare your home for their arrival to make it a welcoming and safe place. Being organised and prepared will enable your foster child to settle in as quickly as possible and create a good positive first impression.

Check out our blog offering some practical and useful hints and tips on preparing your home for a foster child.

View blog

Other steps on your journey to fostering

Application process

It’s important to us that you’re always kept well informed and the process is as stress-free and smooth as possible.

Checks and references

During your fostering application process, we carry out a number of crucial and essential checks and references.

Pre-approval training

We want to help you become the best foster carer you can be, which is why we offer quality pre-approval training.

Panel

Before you join our FCA Scotland family, you’ll need to be approved by our fostering panel first.

Matching and referrals

Matching is a critical part of the fostering process as it defines the success of the placement.

Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.

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