How to apply
It can be a long process to become a foster carer. This makes sure that you have all the information, support and training you need from your local council before you start.
It can take 6 months to a year to be approved.
The application process includes thorough checks so that the right decision is made for you and for the children who need foster care.
Making an enquiry
You can find out more about becoming a foster carer by calling Fosterline Scotland.
They can answer any questions you have at first. There's no pressure to apply.
If you would like to learn more, a member of your local council fostering team will get in touch with you. They'll have an initial chat and organise a home visit. They’ll also explain the process to you in more detail and talk about why you would like to be a foster carer.
Contact Fosterline Scotland
Phone: 0141 204 1400
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
Find out about call charges
Email: fosterlinescotland@fostering.net
Preparation training
If you'd still like to apply, you’ll do preparation training to learn more about children and foster care, such as:
- the needs and experiences of children in foster care
- types of foster care
"After the initial induction training, I got a real insight into what fostering involves. Speaking to other foster carers gave us confidence and reassurance. My wife and I left that day feeling genuinely excited about the journey ahead. The process was long but it allowed us to build friendships we still have today."
Bruce Ramage, a foster carer in Clackmannanshire.
Your application
You can start your formal foster care application after you’ve done your preparation training.
This includes a ‘home study’. This is when your local council's foster care team visit your home to learn more about you and your life.
They will:
- find out why you want to foster
- learn about the skills you have
- see your medical history
- get references from people who know you
- make sure you can work with children by doing a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check
Fostering panel
Once your home study assessment is finished, you’ll go in person to meet a fostering panel. The group is made up of people with a range of experience, including social work.
A social worker will help you prepare for the fostering panel and will attend the panel with you.
The panel review your application and make a recommendation on whether you should be a foster carer.
"The process was really thorough; they want to make sure you're the right fit. When we got to the panel, it felt really heartwarming. They were genuinely interested in who we are and what we could offer, both as a couple and as a family."
Bruce Ramage, a foster carer in Clackmannanshire.
If you're approved to be a foster carer
If you're approved to be a foster carer, your local council will support every step of the way. You will be part of a team offering care to the child and will never be left on your own.