Frequently Asked Questions

Fostering means providing a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child or young person who, for various reasons, can’t live with their birth family. 

Every child’s situation is unique, so we offer different types of fostering placements. These can range from a few days to several years, depending on the child’s circumstances.  

There are a few steps to becoming a foster carer – the first is a friendly chat with one of our advisors. Use our online form to send an enquiry or call us on 0800 369 8512. We’ll discuss fostering in more detail, answer any questions you may have, and note a few details.  

When you’re ready to move forward, you’ll complete a standard application and assessment process to become an approved foster carer. This includes home visits, background checks, references, training, and attending a fostering panel. We run through each step in more detail below. 

The process of becoming a foster carer typically takes 4-6 months. However, if you’re already fostering and looking to transfer to Fosterplus Scotland from a different agency, we fast-track your application, often making the process quicker. Learn more about the transfer process. 

Fostering placements vary in length depending on the child’s circumstances and the type of care you’re providing. A child may stay with you for just a couple of nights, several months, and, in long-term arrangements, years.  

We offer a wide range of fostering options to meet the ever-changing needs of children and young people. Examples of the types of fostering we provide include: 

• Interim fostering: providing care from a few nights up to two years. 

• Long-term fostering: caring for a child until they reach adulthood. 

• Emergency fostering: offering immediate care in urgent situations. 

• Short break fostering: providing short breaks to support other foster families. 

We also offer specialist placements, such as caring for children with disabilities and supporting young asylum seekers. Learn more about the different types of fostering below. 

Independent fostering agencies (IFA), like Fosterplus Scotland, are private organisations dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting foster carers. They also ensure that children placed with their foster families receive the best care.  

Local authorities work closely with independent fostering agencies to find foster families able to meet each child’s specific needs and help them achieve the best possible outcomes.  

The first step on your fostering journey is choosing between fostering with your local council or an independent fostering agency. While both offer similar services, there are some important differences between the two that you’ll need to assess before making a decision. 

At Fosterplus Scotland, we are wholly a fostering provider. This means we can dedicate all our time and resources to supporting our foster carers, their families, and the children in their care. However, local authority services are often stretched, supporting foster families, birth families and children while also managing child protection.  

Learn more about the differences between fostering with your local authority and an independent fostering agency below. 

We offer a comprehensive training programme that prepares you for every stage of your fostering journey. All new applicants attend our preparatory training to gain an insight into the role. Once approved, you’ll complete our core training, and as you gain experience, you’ll have opportunities to attend advanced courses to refine your skills.  

We believe in building strong relationships with our foster carers and the children they look after. We achieve this by ensuring every foster carer is connected to the support they need whenever they need it. This includes: 

• Ongoing support from a dedicated social worker 

• Regular support groups where you can connect with other foster carers.  

• A 24/7 foster carer helpline where you can speak to a qualified social worker. 

• Access to Fosterplus Scotland management  

And much more. Discover our full range of support here. 

When a child enters foster care, their local authority becomes responsible for their safety, well-being, and care. Although local authorities have their own foster carers, they often need to turn to independent fostering agencies, like Fosterplus Scotland, due to the increasing number of children needing a foster home.  

Every day, we receive hundreds of referrals from local authorities across Scotland. Our dedicated referrals team carefully reviews each one to find the best possible match with one of our foster families. If the foster carer, their Fosterplus social worker, the regional manager, and the local authority agree, we’ll arrange the placement. We do our best to ensure each child meets their foster family before moving into the home.  

Yes, you can take a break or holiday while fostering, with foster carers in Scotland receiving a holiday allowance.

We are here to support you, so if you need to take a break, don’t worry – we’ll help you make arrangements with the child’s best interests in mind. 

We’ve made applying to become a foster carer simple and straightforward. To start your journey, give our friendly team a call on 0800 369 8512, or alternatively, submit an online enquiry form, and we’ll contact you.  

If you’d like to learn more first, download our Guide to the Fostering Assessment for a detailed look at the process. 

Download assessment guide 

The fostering application and assessment process – from initial enquiry to approval – is usually completed within 4-6 months.  

For a step-by-step breakdown, download our Guide to the Fostering Assessment. 

When you foster with Fosterplus Scotland, we cover the costs of assessments and checks. This means a typical fostering application won’t cost you anything.  

However, in some cases, you may need to pay for certain expenses, including: 

• Overseas criminal record checks – If you’ve lived abroad, you’ll need to obtain a criminal record check from that country, but we’ll refund the cost once you’re approved. 

• Home adjustments – If minor changes are needed to meet safety standards, you may need to cover the cost. 

• Gas safety certificate – Every foster home must have a valid gas safety certificate. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to arrange and pay for it to ensure children will be safe in your home.  

If you’re currently fostering with your local authority or another fostering provider and want to transfer to Fosterplus Scotland, get in touch. Our friendly team will talk you through our transfer process and discuss any children already in your care.  

Once you decide to move forward, one of our experienced social workers will fast-track your assessment, aiming for approval within three months. 

Every new fostering applicant undergoes several essential checks to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our care. These include: 

• Enhanced PVG and Disclosure check. 

• Local authority checks. 

• Medical assessment. 

• Health and safety checks. 

• Personal and professional references. 

Your assessing social worker will be by your side throughout the process, guiding and supporting you at every stage.  

No, foster carers are not employees of Fosterplus Scotland. When you begin fostering, you’ll register as self-employed. But with our expert guidance and advice on finance, tax, and allowances, you’ll feel confident managing your fostering income. 

You’ll be considered for referrals as soon as you become an approved foster carer.  

The time it takes to welcome your first child can vary depending on your circumstances, approval criteria, and preferences.  

Lots of foster families welcome their first young person within a few weeks.  

We’ll discuss the number of children you can foster during your assessment. We’ll consider factors such as having a spare bedroom for each child and your ability to support more than one child at a time.  

The type of fostering and the number of children you can foster depend on the needs of each child and whether it would work for your household.  

Every day, we receive hundreds of referrals from local authorities across Scotland, looking for foster families to provide safe, stable, and loving homes for vulnerable children. 

Matching a child with the right foster family is a careful process. Our referrals team takes many factors into consideration, including: 

• How long the foster placement is needed 

• Your availability as a foster carer 

• The type of fostering placement 

• Your approval criteria 

• The age and gender of the child 

• Whether the placement is for one child or siblings 

• The child’s cultural, ethnic, and religious background 

• Any health or educational needs 

• Their history and family situation 

• Any behaviours they may present 

• Your experience and skills as a foster carer 

• Any specialist training you have completed 

• Your family dynamic, including birth children, to ensure a positive match 

By getting to know you and your family, we can find the best possible match for both you and the child.  

Children can be in foster care for various reasons – they may have experienced abuse, neglect, parental death, or another adverse childhood experience. They come from diverse walks of life and are of all ages, from babies to teenagers, and have a range of cultural and religious backgrounds.  

Each child is unique, with their own story and individual needs, which is why there are different types of foster placements to ensure they receive the right support.  

Every foster child is different. Some may have experienced neglect, abuse, or loss, which can affect their emotions, behaviour, education, and social interactions.

We provide all our foster carers with extensive training and ongoing support to help them understand and manage different behaviours. You’ll never be alone – we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.

The information we receive about a child can vary, but we will always share as much detail as possible before you welcome them into your home.

Finding the right match between children and foster families is a priority for us, so we work closely with you to understand your preferences, skills, and family dynamics. 

During your assessment, your supervising social worker will discuss the types of fostering that will best suit you, including the age range and number of children you could care for. 

If we receive a referral that we believe would match your family, we’ll contact you and provide all the available details.  

The final decision is always yours, and we will never put you forward for a child without your agreement. 

You must have a spare bedroom for each child you foster for their exclusive use. In some circumstances, children can share, for example, if they are part of a same-sex sibling group; however, this must be agreed upon before they arrive.  

Yes, foster carers receive a generous fostering allowance split into two parts when caring for a child.  

1. Child allowance – This ensures you can cover the costs of caring for a child, such as groceries, clothing, and activities.  

1. Foster carer fee – This recognises and rewards you for your life-changing work.  

You’ll also benefit from a range of additional perks, including: 

• Access to our exclusive foster carer rewards platform, where you can take advantage of incredible discounts on everything from your weekly shop and toiletries to holidays, days out, and more.  

• Additional payments to spend on celebrating birthdays and religious festivals with the child in your care.  

• Holiday allowance for each child in your care. 

• Mileage allowance. 

• A refer-a-friend scheme where you can receive up to £3000 for every friend you successfully recommend to Fosterplus Scotland.  

You can find out more by downloading our Guide to Finances and Fostering. 

At Fosterplus Scotland, our fostering allowances are higher than recommended, with foster carers receiving from £464 to £537 per week per child. Your fostering income will depend on your experience, location, and the fostering type you provide.  

For a full breakdown, download our Guide to Finances and Fostering. 

You’ll receive a fostering allowance each night a child is in your care. This means you won’t receive payment between placements; however, we receive hundreds of referrals every day, and only 3% of our foster families are waiting to welcome a child.  

During your fostering assessment, we’ll discuss how you can manage financially during these gaps.  

All foster carers benefit from Qualifying Care Relief, a special tax rule. This means it’s unlikely that you’ll need to pay tax on your fostering income. For example, if you have one child in your care and no other income sources, you won’t pay tax.  

Yes, fostering is a self-employed role, and foster carers must file a tax return annually. 

Yes, foster carers are self-employed and must complete an annual tax return. Your supervising social worker can guide you through this process, and HMRC provides lots of guidance on their website. 

In order to receive the full new State Pension, you’ll need 35 qualifying years of national insurance contributions.  

You can make Class 2 National Insurance back payments for up to six years, but we recommend speaking to a financial advisor first. You may already have enough years to qualify for a full pension without making extra payments. 

No, when you register as self-employed, you’ll automatically become eligible to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions.  

Class 2 National Insurance give foster carers access to: 

• State Pension – Entitles you to claim once you reach retirement age. 

• Bereavement Benefits – If you take a break from fostering after the death of a spouse or civil partner. 

• Maternity Allowance – If you pause fostering to expand your own family. 

• Contributory Employment Support Allowance (ESA) – If illness prevents you from fostering. 

If there are gaps in your National Insurance record, you may wish to make voluntary contributions (around £2.95 per week) to maintain your entitlement to state benefits and pension. 

Voluntary contributions are paid annually with your tax bill. If you’ve missed a payment, contact HMRC – they won’t automatically remind you. 

If you choose not to pay Class 2 National Insurance, you may still qualify for National Insurance Credits for carers. You can only opt-in to NI Credits if your net income is under the earnings threshold.  

It’s easy to apply. Just fill out an online or postal application and submit a letter from your fostering agency that confirms your fostering status.  

Each year of credits adds to your National Insurance record. However, credits should not make up more than half of your total record because this could affect future benefits. 

We recommend seeking advice from an accountant to determine the best option for you. 

Yes, income from fostering is usually disregarded when eligibility for means-tested benefits is calculated. Means-tested benefits include income support, child tax credit and housing benefits.  

As a foster carer, you’ll also have access to contributory benefits, provided you have enough qualifying National Insurance years. 

Yes. Foster carers looking after a child under 16 may qualify for Income Support. Although you won’t be required to seek work, you’ll attend work-focussed interviews every 6 months to 3 years to review your claim.  

If a child leaves your care, you’ll switch to Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA). If you claim JSA, you must: 

• Be available to work at least 16 hours per week, depending on your fostering duties. 

• Be available to work 40 hours per week if you have no foster placement or dependent children. 

Yes, housing benefit are means-tested. This means if your household income is under the threshold, you can claim.  

Don’t forget – fostering income is usually ignored when your eligibility for means-tested benefits is assessed.  

You cannot claim child benefit for the children you foster but can continue to claim it for your own children, depending on your income.  

Having a disability won’t automatically prevent you from fostering. We assess every application on an individual basis and provide support where needed. During the assessment, you’ll undergo a medical check to ensure you can keep up with the demands of fostering and that it won’t negatively impact your health. 

Yes, you can foster if you have pets. In fact, pets can provide many benefits for children in foster care, including providing comfort as they settle into your home and teaching them life skills such as responsibility. They can also help children stay active, support their emotions, and prevent certain allergies.  

During your assessment, we’ll also assess your pets to ensure they won’t put any children in your care at risk. If you have a banned dog breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, we won’t be able to accept your application unless you relinquish your dog first. 

If you have a criminal record, it won’t automatically disqualify you from fostering. Much depends on the nature and severity of your convictions. During the application process, we’ll complete a DBS check and ask you to declare any criminal convictions. It’s essential to be honest so we can discuss your circumstances with you. 

Yes, you can become a foster carer if you smoke, but you’ll only be able to foster children over the age of five.  

We provide guidelines for foster carers who smoke, including avoiding smoking in front of children and never smoking inside your home or car. 

No, foster carers don’t need a driving licence or their own car. However, part of your fostering responsibilities will be attending appointments such as health visits, school meetings, and family time sessions. This means you’ll need to have reliable transport options. 

Yes, foster carers with mental health conditions and those taking antidepressants can still foster.  

During your assessment, you’ll undergo a medical review to ensure your health is well-managed and won’t impact your ability to care for a child. We have many foster carers with mental health conditions or who are taking antidepressants, providing loving, stable and safe homes for vulnerable children. 

Not at all! We welcome foster carers from diverse backgrounds, including various cultures and religions. In fact, we need foster carers who can support the religious and cultural needs of children, and who better to do so than those who truly understand their religion and culture? 

Of course! We assess applicants based on their ability to provide a safe, loving and stable home for children and young people. Your sexual orientation or gender identity has no bearing on whether or not you’re approved.  

Absolutely! If you’re a same-sex couple, you apply together and are assessed in the same way as heterosexual couples. 

We welcome foster carers from all walks of life – your relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, culture, or race won’t impact your application. We also support foster carers with disabilities and health conditions as long as they can meet the needs of children in their care.  

Still wondering whether you can foster? Call us on 0800 369 8512, submit an enquiry form, or learn more below.   

Yes, many foster carers work alongside fostering. However, foster carers have commitments, such as taking children to meetings and appointments, dropping them off and collecting them from school, and facilitating family time. You’ll also need to be available to attend training, so flexibility is needed.  

We usually recommend that one foster carer is available full-time, though part-time or flexible work may be possible, depending on the child’s needs. 

No, owning your own home is not a requirement to foster. You can foster if you live in rented or social housing, but you will just need to inform your landlord. 

Yes. Having your own children not only provides you with transferable skills and experience to foster, but can also help the children you care for settle into their new home. Your own children can also benefit from having foster siblings – they’ll learn to empathise with others and understand diverse backgrounds. Our support for children who foster includes:  

• Training designed for children of foster carers. 

• Dedicated support groups.  

• Detailed resources and guides to help them understand what fostering means.  

• A dedicated social worker who will ensure the well-being of every family member.  

Yes! Our single foster carers are changing lives every day. They are also crucial for children who, due to their past experiences, are unable to live with a particular gender.  

Marriage is not a requirement to foster. We welcome single and cohabiting foster carers, regardless of gender.  

No, you don’t need any experience to become a foster carer – our training programme will teach you all the knowledge and skills you need to confidently care for vulnerable children.  

However, your life experience, such as raising your own children or spending time with children in a family or professional setting, can give you valuable transferable skills for fostering. You’ll also receive ongoing support at every stage, including: 

• A dedicated supervising social worker 

• Around-the-clock helpline 

• Regular support groups 

• Access to expert advice and online resources 

Foster carers in Scotland must be 21 or over. There is no upper age limit – you just need to be in good health and have qualities like empathy, patience, and a passion for changing young lives. 

To become a foster carer, you must: 

• Be over 21 years old 

• Have the legal right to work in the UK 

• Have a spare bedroom for exclusive use by a child in your care 

• Have compassion, patience, and a desire to transform young lives. 

You don’t need any prior experience or specific qualifications—we provide full training and support. 

There are many reasons why foster carers choose to transfer to Fosterplus Scotland, including: 

• Over 25 years of experience – We specialise in expertly matching children with the right families to create stability and provide the best possible outcomes.  

• Strong connections – Our well-established relationships with local authorities ensure regular placement opportunities for our foster carers, with only 3% waiting to welcome a child into their home. 

• Outstanding support – We go above and beyond to ensure our foster carers are fully supported. This includes a 24/7 helpline, experienced social workers, regular support groups, online services and get-togethers with other foster families. 

• Expert training – Our extensive training programme covers a wide range of specialist topics to build and refine your skills.  

• Higher than recommended allowances and rewards – We offer a generous fostering allowance and other benefits, such as access to our foster carer’s rewards platform featuring discounts on shops, days out, holidays and more.  

Transferring to Fosterplus Scotland is straightforward, and we’ll fast-track your application to get you on board as quickly as possible. There are four simple steps to the process:

Step 1 – Call us on 0800 369 8512 or submit our online form to request a call-back.

Step 2 – We will discuss the transfer process and any children in your care, answering any questions you may have.

Step 3 – Once you are happy to proceed, one of our experienced social workers will begin your assessment.

Step 4 – Our goal is to approve your transfer within three months.

No, when you transfer to Fosterplus Scotland, we streamline the process, providing guidance and support at every stage. In fact, our method is so straightforward that you could be fostering with us within three months of your initial enquiry.  

Whether you transfer from another independent fostering agency or your local authority, we aim to complete your assessment within three months.  

We understand that transferring is a big decision, so we make the transition as smooth as possible, supporting you and any children in your care throughout.  

Form F assessments are non-transferable because they belong to the fostering agency or local authority that completes them.  

However, when you transfer to Fosterplus Scotland, we ensure that your assessment is fast-tracked, recognising your existing experience as a foster carer. This streamlines the process, making the Form F assessment quicker the second time around.  

Yes, many foster carers transfer to Fosterplus Scotland with a child already in their care – you’ll just need to complete one additional step in the transfer process.  

If you transfer with a child in placement, you’ll attend a protocol meeting with your local authority, Fosterplus Scotland, and your current fostering provider. The purpose of the protocol meeting is to ensure everyone agrees on the best plan for the child’s care.  

No, you don’t need to inform your current fostering agency that you are considering transferring until you decide to proceed; you’ll then provide them with a letter of intent to transfer.  

Once you’ve completed your Form F assessment and attended the fostering panel, you will officially resign from your current agency. 

We understand that fostering is about making a difference. However, financial stability is also important, and you need the assurance that you’ll feel valued and recognised for your hard work and dedication.  

That’s why, when you transfer to Fosterplus Scotland, we aim to match your current fostering allowance but can often offer a higher amount.