Fostering and religion
In the 2011 census of Scotland, minority ethnic groups made up 4% of the population - 3% were Asian and 1% were from African, Caribbean or other black groups. This had risen from 2% in 2001. As fostering reflects the wider community, it means that an increasing number of children from BAME (black and minority ethnic) communities are coming into the care system. Equally, we’re experiencing higher numbers of sanctuary seeking children who arrive unaccompanied from countries including Syria, Afghanistan and Africa. In all cases we try hard to match them with foster carers who share their culture and faith.
Matching culture and faith
Living with families who share their cultural experiences gives children a sense of familiarity and security. It’s also easier if the foster carers understand any specific dietary needs or can share their participation in religious festivals or ceremonies. Being able to do so improves the experience of children in care and is more likely to lead to a successful later life.
Because of this, we welcome applications from people from BAME communities – whether you’re married, single, a single parent or gay. We’re an inclusive, equal opportunities fostering community and treat everyone’s application in exactly the same way, so please do think about applying. All that matters to us is that you have the energy and commitment to become a foster parent, and genuinely want to make a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children.
However, because there’s a shortage of foster carers from minority ethnic communities, we also welcome people who are willing to step in and support children with a different faith or culture than their own. The objective is to provide love and care, but also to help the child maintain their cultural connection and beliefs as well as regular contact with their birth family.
You have to think about whether you’re willing to take in a child who may look at the world very differently to you, so you must be open-minded and non-judgmental. Whether this is a type of fostering you’d enjoy is a very personal choice, but it’s one that many foster carers make. If so, we’ll support you with additional training to give you a detailed insight into the cultural and faith needs of the children in your care.
Fostering finance calculator
The amount you receive in foster care payments varies from placement to placement. We understand that some children have more challenging needs and requirements than others, and that sometimes you’ll need a helping hand. Factors such as this, along with the age of the child being placed with you and the type of placement, can all affect the allowances and fostering payments you’ll receive.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to become a foster carer?
Anyone can apply to foster with us. We welcome foster carers from all walks of life; no matter what your gender, age, race or sexual orientation. We do have criteria though:
- You need a spare room
- You need to be over 21
- You need to have British Citizenship or permanent leave to stay in the UK
What is the process of becoming a foster carer?
Applying to become a foster carer involves a number of steps and starts when you contact us.
Step 1 - Get in touch
We’ll have a chat to you talk to one of our friendly fostering advisors by calling 0141 646 4805 or filling in our enquiry form
Step 2 - We’ll visit you at home
We will arrange for one of our fostering advisors to visit you at home to talk to you in more detail and what to expect and how we will support you and find out a bit more about you.
Step 3 - Start your application
If you decide you’d like to apply to foster with us, we’ll start you application process. The process involves filling in an application form and once accepted we will then undertake your fostering assessment.
Step 4 - Fostering assessment
Following your application we’ll undertake a fostering assessment. Your assessing social worker will visit you and your family at home a number of times to speak to you and collect information about you and your life. It will help us to understand more about you. In addition you will attend a preparatory training course to help you learn more about fostering and how to handle different situations. The assessment process takes between four to six months.
Step 5 - Meet the panel
Once your assessment is finished you will go to a fostering panel who will make their recommendation. The group is made up of people with fostering experience. Your social worker will help you prepare and be there for support. Read our blog about panel to help you understand.
Once approved the real fostering journey starts.
Do I need any special qualifications or experience to foster?
No, we will give you all the training you need together with ongoing development and support.
Do I need to have a spare room to foster?
Yes, you’ll need to have a spare bedroom to foster a child.
There are a number of different reasons why you need a spare bedroom in your home. Primarily it is part of the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards stating every child over the age of three should have their own bedroom. But not only this, there are many other factors such as the child’s safety, security and privacy to also consider.
A child needs their own bedroom to provide a sense of security and dedicated space to play or be creative without distraction.
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