Your first foster child

Here at FCA Scotland we know that once you’re an approved foster carer you’ll want to start fostering as soon as possible!

Working together

Because we really get to know you and your family during the assessment process, we know your strengths and the type of children or young people who will be a good match for you. This helps local authorities choose you as the preferred foster carer for a young person.

Once you’ve been matched to a young person we’ll try to introduce you to them in advance if possible so you can get to know them. You’ll have prepared a welcome booklet for the young person, with pictures of you, your family and your home. This helps bring you and your family to life for them.

Read more about referrals and matching

Your first foster child

Before you start to foster you’ll be made aware of the child or young person’s history and why they need foster care, together with any specific needs or requirements. But we’ll provide you with all the support and guidance you need. We are there for you every step of the way. You’ll be given the phone numbers of your support team. They’ll be there to help you all day, every day. You’re always welcome to just pop into our local office if you need anything at all!

Here at FCA Scotland we prefer to link our new foster carers with more experienced foster carers to offer some guidance and peer to peer support in the early stages of fostering.

foster family

How to welcome a foster child

Welcoming a child or young person into your home for the first time can be both an exciting and nervous time for any foster family.  But if you feel anxious can you imagine how children and young people must feel? A new and unfamiliar environment.  Where you can take time to prepare your home for their arrival to make it a welcoming and safe place. Being organised and prepared will enable your foster child to settle in as quickly as possible and create a good positive first impression.

Check out our blog offering some practical and useful hints and tips on preparing your home for a foster child.

View blog

Other steps on your journey to fostering

Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we're here to talk.



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