Becoming a Foster Carer

• Who are foster carers?
• What qualities do foster carers need?
• What does a foster carer do?
• How do I become a foster carer?
• How do I find out more?

Who are foster carers?

Foster carers are ordinary people and, like the children they care for, come from a variety of backgrounds.

They may be young couples, older experienced parents or single people.

They may be working or unemployed. They may be living in rented accommodation or own their own homes.

What they have in common is room in their lives and homes for children that need their care.

Foster carers are needed throughout Aberdeenshire, in rural areas and in towns, from all communities, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, who can care for children who need to be fostered.

To be a foster carer you must be at least 18 years old and be emotionally, physically and financially stable.

What qualities do foster carers need?

Foster carers need to be warm, patient, understanding, flexible and have the ability to care for children safely.

A sense of humour is essential.

What does a foster carer do?

• Provide a good standard of care for other people's children.
• Have an understanding of the difficulties parents face and be able to work closely with children's families and others who are important to the child.
• Work professionally as part of a team with the social work service.
• Attend meetings and contribute towards making plans for the care of the child.
• Confidentiality must be respected at all times.

Our training section will provide more details on what you will be expected to do and the skills you will need.

How do I find out more?

Our leaflet, Thinking About Fostering, has more information on how you can become a foster carer and what it will involve.

• Thinking About Fostering (pdf 120kb)

Further information on becoming a foster carer can be found in our How do I become a foster carer section.

If you still have questions, or want to know more, you can email us. Please include your contact details so that we can respond to you.

Email: fostering.befriending@aberdeenshire.gov.uk