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Why foster?
Becoming a foster carer is an amazing opportunity to give a child or young person the new start they need.
It takes a huge amount of bravery to start your fostering journey, but it really is one of the most rewarding things you can do. So when you foster with us, you’re supported every step of the way. You will always have the help, training and reassurance you need to help make a positive difference to a child’s life.
There are many different reasons why children and young people are in foster care. Sometimes it’s because of a family illness, relationship problems or a family breakdown.
Other children may have faced a situation where they needed to be protected and their where their welfare is endangered. Our foster carers come into children’s lives when they’re needed the most, and offer them the support they need to build a brighter future.
30,000
more children come into care over
the course of 12 months
Thousands
more foster families needed
across the UK every year
63,000+
children living with foster
families across the UK
Who can foster?
Many people rule themselves out of fostering but actually all kinds of people make wonderful foster carers. Regardless of relationship status, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, age, gender, income or number of birth children, the one thing in common is drive and determination to make a lasting and positive difference for the vulnerable child or young person in their life.
You have to be over 21 to foster, but there’s no upper age limit.
You don’t need qualifications or experience in childcare.
You must have a spare bedroom, but you don’t have to own your own house.
Generally, you need to be able to foster full time, though there are a few exceptions.
You don’t have to be in work as you will receive financial support.
You must have a legal right to work in the UK.
You’ll need patience, energy, resilience and commitment.
Regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability, you can foster.
You don't have to be a parent already, we will give you lots of training.
Why choose us?
Fostering is a journey, and we make sure you don’t take it alone. We’re there for you every step of the way, responding to your needs with support, training and all the resources you’d expect from a large and long-established foster care specialist. When you foster with FCA Scotland, it’s not just you and the young person in your home. Think of us as an extended team, there for you, 24/7, whenever you need us, whatever your question. All our expertise is available to help you. Here’s a very brief introduction to the key benefits of FCA Scotland.
Participation and involvement
With a wide range of initiatives including a ‘Foster Parent Forum’ we make sure you feel connected to our teams, involved in our work, and able to shape the way we support you. Our doors are always open and we’re always listening.
Team Parenting®
These are powerful approaches to fostering which lie at the heart of our commitment to involving people. Our Team Parenting® model makes sure there’s a strong professional network of support on hand for the child and their foster parent when they need.
Expert Support - 24/7
With TWO offices in Scotland, we’re local to you. Each office is fully resourced with the support you need, including social workers, therapists and care professionals. We also run a number of specialist support groups and a 24/7 helpline for any out of hours’ needs. The Care Inspectorate recently rated our care and support in Scotland as ‘5’ (Very Good). Find out more about how we support you here.
Professional training & development
Fostering is a journey and you can develop into different areas. The path you take is open to you and everyone’s different. Rest assured, we have an extensive training programme to help you along the way. Find out more about our training package here.
Regular events and activities
We’re constantly organising activities to get you involved and talking to our team and other foster parents. Typical events include a lunch or afternoon tea, sports activities and trips out to the zoo, theme parks or pantomimes. There’s always something going on near you, and always someone you can talk to.
Excellent allowances and benefits
Our allowances recognise your hard work and commitment and help cover the costs of caring for children – including holidays, clothes and little treats along the way. Our highly competitive fostering allowance package also includes a free membership to FosterTalk, an organisation which offers support helplines and guidance as well as great member offers and deals.