How many children are in foster care in Glasgow?
Recent data from 2021 found that there are around 2,300 looked after children in Glasgow. Another report also showed that many children are being placed with families outside of the city. This often means moving away from friends, family and changing schools – all of which can be disruptive and unsettling. That’s why at FCA Scotland, we do everything we can to maintain as much stability for the children in our care, with a strong focus on keeping siblings together.
We always need new foster carers to open up their hearts and homes to these vulnerable children. Between January and May this year alone, FCA Scotland has been looking for homes for over 550 children. From abuse and neglect to the death of a primary caregiver or needing specialist care due to complex needs, these young people have had difficult starts to life, and deserve the security a loving family provides.
We want the children in our care to thrive in their hometown, be proud of who they are and go on to lead happy, successful lives. This can only be achieved if more people are willing to become foster carers in Glasgow and support the local community. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history and entertainment, fostering a child in Glasgow is sure to be the best decision you’ll ever make.
5 Reasons to consider doing foster care in Glasgow
It’s a creative, cultural hub
Caring for a foster child goes beyond just providing a home. You play a huge role in helping them develop, learn and discover their passions. Being cared for in Glasgow means they have a world of opportunity at their fingertips. The city is a UNESCO City of Music with iconic venues and a packed calendar of festivals and events; there’s a cutting-edge art scene with world-class galleries and attractions; it has a strong football following, with many children and adults being proud supporters of Rangers F.C. and there are over 90 parks and gardens to enjoy come rain or shine.
So, whether your foster child shows a keen interest in sport, music, art or enjoys being in nature, there are plenty of things to inspire them and keep them motivated for a brighter future.
There are regular fostering social events
When you foster in Glasgow with FCA Scotland, you’re never alone on your journey. We believe in creating an inclusive, empowering culture where everybody comes together and supports one another.
A key part of this is through regular social events for foster carers. It’s a chance to meet up with like-minded individuals, share problems, discuss solutions and also to have fun! From coffee and cake mornings to Christmas lunches, these days play a big part in helping our foster carers feel connected and part of the FCA Scotland family.
You’ll be contributing towards ‘The Promise’
The Promise is a Scottish government initiative based on a 3-year care review, which listened to the voices of 5,500 children, young people and adults who have lived in care. The Promise seeks to address the issues raised, with Nicola Sturgeon pledging that Scotland would ‘do better’ when it came to vulnerable children in care.
The main focus areas are keeping siblings together, ensuring all children have a voice, keeping families together wherever possible and helping children maintain contact with the people close to them.
We are dedicated to #KeepThePromise in line with the government’s initiative, and have various ways to ensure everything we do is based around fulfilling The Promise.
- Young Person’s Forum – we set up this forum so children have the opportunity to meet with FCA Scotland’s leadership team and talk about what we’re doing and what we can do better.
- Children’s participation teams – we actively encourage our children and young people to get involved and have their say about things happening in the community, such as consulting on the preparatory training or sitting in staff interviews.
- Team Parenting® – this is our unique model of support that places a close-knit team of professionals around you and your foster child.
There are regular fostering social events
When you foster in Glasgow with FCA Scotland, you’re never alone on your journey. We believe in creating an inclusive, empowering culture where everybody comes together and supports one another.
A key part of this is through regular social events for foster carers. It’s a chance to meet up with like-minded individuals, share problems, discuss solutions and also have fun! From coffee and cake mornings to Christmas lunches, these days play a big part in helping our foster carers feel connected and part of the FCA Scotland family.
You’ll receive a generous Glasgow fostering allowance
Money isn’t the main motivation for wanting to help give children better futures, but we know it’s an important factor in your decision to foster. Fostering allowances allows you to give the children in your care everything they need for a normal, happy childhood, while also rewarding you for the priceless work you do on a daily basis.
The exact amount you receive will depend on the type of placement, the age of the child or if the child in your care has challenging needs or specialist requirements. However, on average, we pay £430 per week per child. From food and clothes to travel and household bills, we want you to be able to provide the best level of care for your foster children and make sure they never go without.
You get lots of family support
At FCA Scotland, we pride ourselves on the support package we offer all foster carers. We know that families need the best levels of support in order to change the lives of children and ensure a successful outcome for a placement.
As well as comprehensive training and career development opportunities, 24/7 support, local support groups, events and activities and a competitive fostering allowance, all of our foster carers have access to the following:
- Regular visits, supervision and support from your qualified and experienced supervising social worker.
- Regular support group meetings.
- Highly skilled professionals, including our education coordinator, therapists and support staff.
- Our Carer Support Scheme and Carer Buddies scheme.
- Comprehensive induction programme for newly approved foster carers.
- Drop-in sessions to help carers with training and allow them to complete online training in a group setting.
- Online support via our internal portal, where you can read about everything happening at FCA Scotland and access to loads of discounts from a range of sites.
- Free membership to FosterTalk – a one-stop shop for advice on fostering and educational issues as well as legal, tax and personal finance advice.
Thinking of fostering in Glasgow?
Becoming a foster carer could be the best decision you ever make. While it will naturally come with challenges, you will always have us by your side whenever you need help or support. And with our excellent training program, we give you all the tools you need to be an amazing foster carer and excel in your care profession.
Get in touch with our friendly team today for an informal chat about all things fostering. Any questions you have, we’ll gladly answer. Just think, you could totally transform the life of a child in Glasgow that urgently needs a safe, loving home.
