Fostering

Fostering gives children and young people a safe, stable home when they cannot live with their own family. We need foster carers in South Lanarkshire and nearby areas who can care for children of all ages, including brothers and sisters who need to stay together. If you can offer a child warmth, patience and security, we would love to hear from you.

Who can foster

You can apply to foster if you:

• are over 21
• live alone, with a partner, or have a family
• have lived with your partner for at least two years if applying as a couple
• can offer a child their own bedroom
• are in good health and able to meet daily care needs

We welcome carers from all backgrounds. We will talk with you about pets, smoking and anything else that may affect a placement. All applicants need to value and respect children as individuals.

Types of fostering

Interim care

You care for a child for a short time, while we work towards them returning home or moving to a permanent family. This may last days, weeks or months.

Permanent care

You give a child a long‑term home when they cannot return to their birth family. Most children are over eight and may have siblings. You share some legal responsibilities with us and become part of the child’s long‑term support.

Assessment and approval

We visit you at home to get to know you and your strengths. Checks and references are part of the process. We aim to complete assessments within six months. Your application is then considered by the Fostering Panel before a final decision is made.

Support, training and payments

You will have your own supervising social worker, regular training and access to 24‑hour support. You will receive weekly allowances based on the child’s age, plus a fee and help with equipment and travel costs.

Take the next step

If fostering feels right for you, you can attend our preparation sessions and speak with current foster carers.