Who can become a foster carer
Fostering gives a stable family life to children who can't live at home. Support is provided for the child, the foster carer and the family of the fostered child.
There are so many reasons why children may have to be cared for away from their own families and most children return to their own family after a period in temporary care. At these times child and young people need a safe, caring home where they can be supported to remain in contact with their family.
To be a foster carer you must be at least 21 years old and be emotionally, physically and financially stable. Other than that, there are no hard and fast rules about who can foster. You can be:
- single, married, divorced, or living together
- in a same sex relationship
- from any ethnic or religious background
- a homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- employed or on benefits
- already a parent
- living with a disability
Foster carers need to be warm, patient, understanding and flexible and have the ability to care for children safely. What they have in common is room in their lives, hearts and homes for children that need their care. Our foster carers also tell us resilience, compassion and inclusion makes a real difference.
Having a police record does not automatically mean that you won’t be able to foster, however it will depend on the nature of the offence and how long ago it was committed. You can contact us and discuss it.
We’re currently recruiting new foster carers who will provide short break, temporary, long term and permanent care to children who may:
- be part of a sibling group
- be teenagers
- need short break carers
- have additional complex needs or children with a disability
- Community Short Breaks
- be returning to the area or leaving residential care
Contact Us
Placement services
Rose Cottage
PO Box 6770
Elgin
IV30 9BX
01343 563568