FCA Scotland
Become a foster carer with FCA Scotland. We provide a placement which suits you and we also provide a generous allowance and specialist training to help prepare you for your fostering journey.
Terms and Conditions
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Cookie Policy
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Regions
Find your local team. We’re always here to help get you on the right track in your journey. Find a local team and get in touch today.
Foster Care Associates West Central Scotland
Looking to foster in West Central Scotland? Foster Care Associates (FCA) Scotland are one of the leading foster care companies in Scotland. Get in touch today for more information.
Foster Care Associates Eastern Scotland
Looking to foster in Eastern Scotland? Foster Care Associates (FCA) Scotland are one of the leading foster care companies in Scotland. Get in touch today for more information.
Scotland team
Enquiry
Make an enquiry today, whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.
Thank you
Refer a friend - thank you
Locations We Cover
We’re always here to help get you on the right track in your journey. Find a local team and get in touch today.
Fostering in Fife
Looking to foster in Fife? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
Fostering in Glasgow
Looking to foster in Glasgow? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
Fostering in Aberdeen
Looking to foster in Aberdeen? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
Fostering in Rosyth
Looking to foster in Rosyth? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
Fostering in Edinburgh
Looking to foster in Edinburgh? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
Fostering in Prestwick
Looking to foster in Prestwick? Make a difference to a child's life and become a foster parent. Excellent allowance, training and support provided.
About us
Foster Care Associates (FCA) Scotland took on its first foster child in 2002. Today, we’re supporting over 100 children and young people in communities across the country. With almost 20 years’ experience, we’re an established fostering specialist with offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Prestwick and Rosyth.
Why Choose Us?
Fostering is a journey, and we make sure you don’t take it alone. We’re there for you every step of the way, responding to your needs with support, training and all the resources you’d expect from a large and long-established foster care specialist.
Support for foster carers
Supporting you Foster care isn’t the same everywhere. We wouldn’t expect anyone to foster without the right support, so at FCA Scotland, we provide the very best.
Education support
Children's participation
Team Parenting®
When you foster with FCA Scotland, you’ll be part of our supportive community. Everyone working together to deliver the very best outcomes for our children and young people. You’re part of a team of professionals who are all devoted to helping children in care have the healthiest and brightest future.
Support for children in foster care
Our support network for children and young people includes foster carers and our team of social workers and therapists. Beyond that there’s plenty more in place as we are an organisation that believes in involving everyone.
Foster Care Training
Like any career, fostering is a journey of learning. And just as there are different types of fostering, there are also different pathways you can take, depending on your interests. For example, specialising in asylum seeking children.
The Promise
At FCA Scotland, we are fully committed to fulfilling the promise of ensuring children and young people in Scotland grow up feeling loved, safe, and respected. It is our unwavering dedication to #KeepThePromise.
Meet the team
Transferring Fostering Agencies
Thinking of transferring to another agency?At FCA Scotland we understand that it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. We’ll support you every step of the way and do all we can to make the process of joining us as simple as possible.
Fostering Allowances
At Foster Care Associates Scotland we believe you deserve to be rewarded for your hard work.vThat’s why we offer all our foster carers a generous package of financial support. Our fostering allowances and payments take into account the demands of fostering and the importance of your role in a child or young person’s life.
Financial calculator
Latest News, Blogs & Fostering Stories
Discover our latest news, blogs and stories from some of our foster families and children.
News Stories
Fostering Assessments with FCA Scotland during social distancing
Information around our amended recruitment and assessment processes.
FCA Scotland attend the More Than My Trauma Conference
As part of our staff development our therapist recently attended the More Than My Trauma Conference
Our Response to COVID-19
We are continuing to recruit foster carers, as the needs of children and young people remains our priority.
#Keepingthepromise
At FCA Scotland, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to honouring Scotland's commitment to the well-being of children and young people. Our mission is to ensure that every child and young person grows up in an environment filled with love, safety, and respect. We are proud to be a part of the #KeepThePromise movement.
1000 Voices Raven Creators
1000 Voices makes sure young people's views and opinions are captured through fun activities which is then used to shape how care in Scotland will look in the future.
Self-Care September: Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Over the last few weeks, our team have been delivering a number of relaxation techniques virtually to our young people to support their emotional development and mental resilience.
Introducing Roxanne, New Service Lead for The Promise
At FCA Scotland we have a longstanding commitment to upholding The Promise, a pledge to ensure all children and young people in care grow up loved, safe and respected. To help enable us to uphold this, we've appointed a new Service Lead for The Promise, Roxanne.
A July Update for The Promise
Find out what FCA Scotland has been doing this summer to ensure all our children and young people's voices are listened to in line with our dedication to #KeepingThePromise.
A September Update for The Promise
From Carer Participation Groups to staff development sessions, this September has been another busy month for The Promise Service. Find out more about how we are upholding the values of the Promise here at FCA Scotland.
Celebrating 20 years of fostering through poem
Poems written by talented staff to celebrate 20 years of FCA Scotland.
FCA Scotland 20th birthday card design unveiled
FCA Scotland recently held a competition with children and young people to design their 20th birthday card that would be sent to foster carers and staff. The winning design is...
A New Year Promise Update
Roxanne, Service Lead for The Promise, gives her update on FCA Scotland’s progress in upholding The promise, with exciting new opportunities for our staff, carers and young people to get involved in 2023.
Spring Budget 2023 increases foster carer tax relief
In the recent Spring Budget 2023 announcement, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, shared significant changes to the foster carer tax relief system. Here is how these changes will affect foster carers.
A Day of Tree Planting For the Carers, Young People & Staff at FCA Scotland
Young people, carers, and staff from FCA Scotland join the Forestry Commission for a morning of tree planting, in order to support the re-generation of an area in Fife.
A Promise Update this Spring
Roxanne, Service Lead for The Promise, gives her latest update on FCA Scotland’s progress over the last few months in upholding The Promise along with future plans.
Celebrating Foster Care Fortnight 2023
This week sees the annual return of Foster Care Fortnight, a campaign to raise the profile of fostering. This year's theme is Fostering Communities to celebrate the strength and resilience of fostering communities and all they do to ensure children are cared for and supported to thrive.
Events
Events in the Midlands
26th May Virtual Fostering Information Evening
Join this virtual information evening and find out more about the rewarding role of a foster carer with FCA Scotland.
21st November Fostering Information Coffee Morning
Join our face to face information session and find out more about the rewarding role of a foster carer with FCA Scotland.
17th May Fostering Information Evening
Join our face to face information session and find out more about the rewarding role of a foster carer with FCA Scotland.
Blogs
Find out more about FCA Scotland and fostering by reading our blog posts.
Summer fun with young people
If you’re stuck for ideas we’ve put together a list of activities that you could do with children and young people.
Getting back in to the school routine
Some practical and useful hints and tips for getting back in to the school routine after the holidays.
How to prepare your home for a foster child
Where you can take time to prepare your home for the arrival of your foster child to make it a welcoming and safe setting.
How Teddy Bears can help with Attachment
We offer therapeutic training to all our foster carers which is training courses that are specifically designed to develop your therapeutic knowledge and skills.
Importance of keeping siblings together
Going into foster care can be hard to adjust to. But imagine having to go it alone without your brothers and sisters around you.
Can I foster if I have a pet?
Of course, you can. Prior to becoming a foster carer, a full vet check is done to make sure it is safe to place a young person in your household with that pet.
Is fostering right for you?
Mary and her husband have been fostering with us for over 12 years. Here they share their story and what they think it takes to become a good foster carer.
Training at FCA Scotland
At FCA Scotland we believe training and progression is a vital part of every foster carer’s journey.
Foster Care Fortnight 2021 #WhyWeCare
During Foster Care Fortnight 2021, our staff and foster carers have been sharing their reasons #WhyWeCare to showcase how foster care can transform the lives of children and young people.
#WithYou…help keep siblings together
Since 2018, a growing number of siblings have come into foster care, and for children whose lives are turned upside down, staying with their brother or sister can be vital.
The Promise update by Service Lead Roxanne Little
Service Lead Roxanne Little gives an update of what she has been up to over the past month with regards to Keeping The Promise.
The Promise Young person's event
Eight of our young people aged 12- 18 years old took part in a participation event in respect of The Promise.
The Promise participation event at the Lochgelly Centre
During July we held our second young person’s participation event of the week in respect of The Promise. This event was held in the Lochgelly Centre for our young people from the East of Scotland.
Reasons to Become a Foster Parent in Glasgow
Vulnerable children in Glasgow desperately need a home to go to. Here’s why you should consider fostering a child in this vibrant, cultural city.
Fire Reach run by Scottish Fire and Rescue
Young people at FCA Scotland have taken part in Fire Reach run by Scottish Fire and Rescue.
Top 10 Reasons to Transfer to FCA Scotland
As an experienced foster carer, we know you are committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people who desperately need a safe and loving home. That’s why you need a fostering agency that matches your level of commitment, an agency that not just provides excellent levels of support but one that goes above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for you and the children in your care.
This summer could you a foster a child?
This summer our fostering families have been busy creating lots of fun, happy and precious memories with the children in their care. Meet Elaine who has been fostering with us for 15 years, we had a lovely chat with her as she shared some of her most favourite and memorable summer moments.
FCA Scotland's Football Family Fun Day
FCA Scotland's annual fun packed Football Family Fun Day for children and young people took place in August and was organised by Power League Glasgow and Street Soccer Scotland.
International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) day
FCA Scotland launch our Promise to raise FASD awareness and promote assessment for our children.
Meet the team who are helping to change children’s lives
To mark our 20th birthday, we’ve asked our team members to share their journey with FCA Scotland, and how they are working together to provide a brighter future for children and young people.
Senior Supervising Social Worker Kirsty takes part in Clipper Round the World Race
FCA Scotland Senior Supervising Social Worker Kirsty shares her experience from this Summer in a blog when she took four months off work to take part in Clipper Round the World Race.
Celebrating this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert
John Lewis's team has done what it does best and brought the country to an emotional standstill with this years Christmas advert.
FCA Scotland support local food bank
FCA Scotland foster carers and staff raised funds and contributed supplies to a local food bank and our young people helped prepare the supplies to be delivered.
COVID-19 Pandemics impact on foster care in Scotland
The pandemic brought with it a number of stressors for many families, and for those families in the social care system, existing challenges were exacerbated. Find out more about the impact the pandemic had on the foster care system.
6 Great Reasons to Apply to Foster in Scotland
There is a great need for people who are willing to take on the role of foster carers to meet this demand. With over 4500 children in foster care in Scotland as of July 2021, we need you!
Ways foster carers can support autistic children
Foster carers who take on the care of an autistic child face unique challenges but also have an opportunity to make a significant impact on the child’s life. Here are 10 ways to support a young person with autism.
12 Things to Ask When Transferring Foster Agencies
If you are currently fostering with an agency and are unhappy with the service, support, training, fostering allowances, or anything else, then you might be wondering if the time has come to transfer foster agency.
6 Ideas for Summer Activities on a Budget in Scotland
We have compiled a list of the best summer activities in Scotland, and the best part is, some of them are completely free! Discover the top things to do and make the most of your summer in Scotland.
Fostering Can Change a Future
Fostering has the power to make a lasting impact, providing love, support, and stability to vulnerable children and young people. Discover the incredible ways fostering can transform a young person's future!
But…what do foster carers actually have to do?
In this article, we’ll look closer at the role of a foster carer, and why it might just be the perfect career for you.
#KeepingThePromise: Keeping Siblings Together
Keeping siblings together is one of the most important roles you could ever take on.
Care Experienced Week 2023
FCA Scotland are proud to support Care Experienced Week 2023. The voices and experiences of our young people have always been at the heart of what we do here in.
Making Bonfire Night Special for Your Foster Child
We look at safety ideas and how to prepare your foster child for Fireworks Night. As well as looking at some fun ideas you can do to make the night extra special and memorable.
Fostering Stories
Read stories about our foster carers to give you an insight on what it is like to be a foster carer.
Foster carer gave a Vietnamese boy a new life in Glasgow
Meet our foster carer who gave a Vietnamese boy a new life in Glasgow
A day in the life of a foster carer…
Being a foster carer means no two days are the same
A day in the life of a foster carers Helen and Chris
Helen and Chris tell us what it's like to foster
Jan's story
Watching young people achieve things that others take for granted makes this whole process worthwhile.
Shagufta's fostering story
Foster carer Shagufta, 53, based in Edinburgh, shares her fostering journey over the past eight years.
Foster children have brought more life to my home
One of our foster carers shares with us her fostering experience with FCA Scotland.
“It is not a job or career; it is a way of life. It is not for everybody but if you dip your toes in and you like it, run with it”
Foster carers, Elaine and Iain share their fostering journey over the past 14 years.
"We both made the decision to take up fostering, and we haven't looked back since!”
Foster Carers Alana and Sarah based in Glasgow, share their inspiring foster story so far.
“I want them to grow into who they want to be not who I tell them to be”
Foster carer Sue from Glasgow shares her fostering journey over the past eighteen years.
“It’s lovely to see the difference from when they first came to you, to the confident young people they are growing into.”
Foster carer Linda from North Lanarkshire shares her fostering highlights over the past 18 years, and the support she’s had with FCA Scotland.
“It will have its challenges, but it is the most rewarding job you’ll ever do in your life.”
Meet Denise, a foster carer from Fife who left a career in education to dedicate the last 13 years to providing looked-after children with a happy, caring, and loving home.
“FCA Scotland has always been very family orientated, there is always someone at the end of the phone”
Meet Angela, a long-term foster carer who shares her fostering journey, and why she’s fostered with FCA Scotland for over 10 years.
“It’s brilliant to know that you are not alone, there are other people there to help you in this journey that you are on with the children.”
Meet foster carers, Elaine and Iain from North Lanarkshire, who talk about the importance of using FCA Scotland’s wrap-around team of support.
Meet foster carers Susan and Brian
Foster carer Susan urges anyone who wants to take up fostering but hasn’t taken the plunge yet to “just do it".
About fostering
Fostering gives children and young people a stable and caring family home and environment when they are not able to live with their birth families anymore. Find
Fostering FAQs
Check out our FAQ section to answer any questions you may have about fostering.
Why foster?
Becoming a foster carer is an amazing opportunity to give a child or young person the new start they need. It takes a huge amount of bravery to start your fostering journey, but it really is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Who can foster?
Here at FCA Scotland we work really closely with you throughout the whole of the fostering application process, so we really get to know you as a person.
LGBTQI Fostering
We have many children and young people being supported by LGBTQI families in the FCA Scotland network. They’re doing an excellent job, and that’s why we’re keen to recruit more people from the LGBTQI community.
Race and religion in fostering
Living with families who share their cultural experiences gives children a sense of familiarity and security. It’s also easier if the foster carers understand any specific dietary needs or can share their participation in religious festivals or ceremonies.
Age and fostering
Find out more about the impacts of age on fostering. The minimum age is 21, but there is no upper age limit to become a foster carer.
Disability and fostering
We’re an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from everyone, provided they’re aged over 21, have a right to live and work in the UK and want to help a vulnerable child fulfil their potential.
Single foster carers
Many single parents are put off fostering as they think that they will be overlooked. But, single parents can foster and we welcome single foster parents.
Do I need a spare room to foster?
A spare bedroom is needed to foster a child. Find out more about why a spare room is required and the importance of a foster care bedroom.
Can I work and foster?
Discover the ins and outs of fostering while working.
Types of fostering
Discover all the types of fostering that we cover at FCA Scotland. We have a range of types of foster care for people looking to start fostering children.
Long term fostering
Find out more about long term fostering and the benefits that come with long term foster care. At FCA Scotland, we work with children in long term placements.
Short break fostering
Continuing care
Continuing care was introduced into Scotland as part of the Children’s and Young People’s Act 2014, and at FCA Scotland we’re able to offer and support this service, helping many young people confidently start the next stage and chapter of their lives.
Solo fostering
It is often important for the child or young person to be a ‘solo’ placement - in other words, they’re the only child in the home. That means solo fostering is usually only suitable for foster carers without other children (biological or fostered) in their home.
Fostering siblings
Specialist fostering
In many ways, all fostering is specialist. However, when we talk about specialist fostering we refer to roles which present particular challenges and which call for specific skills and patience.
Fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking children
More and more unaccompanied children are entering the UK from overseas, forced from their homes and family by war, famine and disease or persecution and social upheaval. Fostering unaccompanied asylum-seeking children can be extremely rewarding experience as you provide them with a safe and secure home environment.
Interim fostering
Interim fostering involves caring for a baby, child or young person for a few weeks or months while difficulties at home are resolved. Interim fostering is often linked to further assessments of the baby, child or young person and other family members, together with court processes.
Emergency Fostering
Emergency foster care provides children and young people with that much-needed security when they need it most. Find out more about emergency foster care in Scotland.
Thinking of fostering teenagers
Find out more about fostering a teenager and the benefits that come with caring for a teen with FCA Scotland. Discover why fostering teenagers is such a rewarding role.
How to become a foster carer
Looking to become a foster carer in Scotland? To become a foster carer there are six steps you’ll complete, depending on your circumstances, the process can take between four and six months.
Application process
At FCA Scotland we do all we can to make the application process as straightforward as it can be. It’s important to us that you’re always kept well informed and the process is as stress-free and smooth as possible.
Fostering Application
Checks and references
Fostering Panel
How does the fostering panel work? The fostering panel will take place at a venue local to you. It takes the form of a meeting made up of about eight or nine independent panel members who have related experience.
Your First Foster Child
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.
Fostering Matching Process
Matching is a critical part of the fostering process as it defines the success of the placement. And that’s why we take it so seriously. By getting it right, children, young people and foster carers have a positive and more rewarding experience.
How will fostering affect my family?
Privacy Statement
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Modern Slavery Statement
This policy applies to all individuals working for the Company or on the Company’s behalf in any capacity, including employees, directors, officers, agency workers, volunteers, agents, contractors, consultants and business partners.
Refer a friend
Careers
If you are looking for a rewarding career within an amazing team, then find your new role at FCA and join our family.
Form F Assessors
As a fostering agency we are continually recruiting good foster carers in all of our regions. We are looking to identify skilled and experienced social workers to undertake fostering assessments with us
Application form
Interested in joining FCA Scotland? Download a copy of our application form and other forms you may need.
Foster A Child
Retargeting
Virtual Fostering Information Evening
Thank you
Fostering Advice & Guides
From learning the basics to understanding complex trauma in children, our fostering advice and guides are designed to support you in all areas of your fostering journey.
A Guide To Complex Trauma In Children
A Foster Carer's Guide to Complex Trauma in Children
Thank you complex trauma download
Autism Support Pack for Foster Carers
Autism Support Pack for Foster Carers
Autism Support Pack for Foster Carers
A Beginners Guide to Fostering a Child
Fostering 101: The Beginner's Guide to Fostering a Child
Thank you beginners guide
Sitemap
Being in Care Hub
Our Being In Care Hub provides information, support and guidance for foster children and young, as well as foster families. With loads of practical tips and advice on topics, you care about.
Advice
What to Do if You're Being Bullied
Bullying can come in a lot of different forms. It is something a lot of people experience at some point in their lives, but it is never something you should have to put up with. Nobody deserves to be put down, made to feel unsafe, or physically hurt by bullies.
Why is eating a balanced diet important?
Some foods are better for you than others. A lot of food is tasty but eating too much of it probably won’t make you feel very good. Why is it important to eat a balanced diet? Let’s find out.
Should I tell people I’m in foster care?
Going into foster care is bound to spark some big emotions. You might feel anger, sadness, grief, confusion, anxiety, embarrassment, and general defiance. This post will help you work through some of the bigger feelings in this area.
The Promise - What it Means For You
This blog will give our young people some information about FCA Scotland and our commitment to The Promise, and what it means for you.
Language that Cares
At FCA Scotland we have launched our Language that Cares Charter in consultation with children and young people to help ensure that we all use language which is more positive and more importantly, sanctioned by our children and young people.
Life Skills You Need to Be Independent
With the right life skills, you will be less stressed and find it easier to live independently. Here are eight life skills you need to be independent.
Let us help find your next job
If you are thinking about getting a job, then here is some advice about where to look, how to apply, and what to expect from interviews
8 Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
Whether you use the internet a lot for schoolwork or like to go online to do fun things and find out new information, knowing how to keep yourself safe when using the internet is an important skill to have.
I’m Worried About Meeting Our Foster Child
If you are feeling worried about meeting a new foster child. Here are some worries and their answers you might need to help you feel a bit better.
Handbook
Have Your Say
Leaving Care
Kids of Carers
Contact sheet
The Roadmap to the Fostering Process
Everything you need to know about how to start the foster care process and start making a difference in the lives of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people.
How To Prepare My Family To Foster
From talking to your partner and birth children (if you have them) to friends, family, and your support network, let’s look at how to prepare to foster.
When is the right time to start the Fostering process
If you want to help and be the person to change a child’s life and you’ve been wondering when is the right time to foster, then read on.
How to Turn Fostering into a Career
We’re often asked by prospective foster parents “is being a foster carer a part of a career?” And the answer is, yes!
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