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Types of Fostering We Provide
At Foundations Matter, we know that every child’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer different types of fostering, so that each child in Scotland can find the right home and support.
At Foundations Matter, each type of fostering plays a vital role in helping children and families thrive. Could you offer a safe and loving home?
- Emergency fostering - Sometimes children need somewhere safe to stay straight away. Our emergency foster carers welcome children at very short notice, often overnight or just for a few days.
- Short-term fostering - Children may need care for weeks or months while decisions are made about their future. Our short-term carers provide stability and reassurance during this uncertain time.
- Long-term / permanent fostering - Some children are unable to return to their birth families. Our long-term fostering provides them with stability, security, and a sense of belonging, often right through to adulthood.
- Parent and child fostering - We support parents and their babies (or young children) to stay together. In parent and child fostering, carers provide a safe home, guidance, and encouragement so that parents can learn to care for their children with confidence.
- Short break fostering - Caring for children can be demanding. Our short break carers step in to give children a change of scene and experiences while offering regular carers and families a well-earned break.
At Foundations Matter, each type of fostering plays a vital role in helping children and families thrive. Could you offer a safe and loving home?
How to Become a Foster Parent With Us
There is a statutory process which every prospective foster carer must go through in order to become an approved foster carer with an independent fostering agency. The main steps are as follows:
- First contact. Get in touch with our friendly team and have a chat! We'll find out more about you, assess your initial suitability, and talk you through some minimum requirements. We'll do our best to demystify the process and allay any fears you may have.
- Initial visit. A member of our social work team will visit you at your home to introduce themselves and our agency, discuss more details, and get a better understanding of who you are.
- Introductory training. We normally invite you to join the nationally-recognised 'Skills to Foster' introductory training course. How we deliver this will vary based on the needs and geography of our prospective carers. This will give you a better understanding of the fostering tasks, and some tools which will equip you for the journey forward.
- Application. If the initial visit and initial training course have gone well and you would like to proceed, this is the point at which you can complete our application form and formally apply.
- Assessment. One of our qualified assessors will complete a nationally-recognised assessment form ('known as a 'Form F') together with you in a number of sessions over the course of 4-6 months. At the same time, our team will begin to carry out a number of 'safer recruitment' checks including PVG and references.
- Approval Panel. Once all the hard work is completed, you will meet an independent panel who, based on your assessor's Form F, will ask you some questions for clarity and then make a recommendation to Foundations Matter.
- Agency Decision. Our independent Agency Decision Maker (ADM) will receive your file and the Panel's recommendation, and make the final decision on your application, which will be communicated to you afterwards.
- Matching. Our Family Finding Co-Ordinator and Social Workers will work hard to match you, your family and your home with a child or children that have been referred to us by a local authority.
Why Choose Us?
Values
Here at Foundations Matter we will celebrate your Christian faith. You will be supervised and supported by a team of Christian social workers. We will pray with you and for you, and we will be right behind you all the way as you live out your faith and bring a child into your home and family.
To read our fostering Statement of Purpose, tap or click on the icon below.
Here at Foundations Matter we will celebrate your Christian faith. You will be supervised and supported by a team of Christian social workers. We will pray with you and for you, and we will be right behind you all the way as you live out your faith and bring a child into your home and family.
To read our fostering Statement of Purpose, tap or click on the icon below.
Support
We pride ourselves on offering the very best support to our carers and offer a comprehensive package - see our infographic below.
We pride ourselves on offering the very best support to our carers and offer a comprehensive package - see our infographic below.
Training
At Foundations Matter we believe that every foster carer deserves the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the very best care for children and young people. That’s why we offer a comprehensive programme of training and development, tailored to support you at every stage of your fostering journey.
Training doesn’t stop once you’re approved – it continues throughout your fostering career. We provide a wide range of courses, workshops, and resources covering topics such as:
Expert matching and stable placements
The best outcomes for children are achieved by making the best matches. That’s why we take great care to connect children to the right foster parents, providing a platform for their growth and development in a secure and supportive home.
When we match foster parents with children, we involve everyone, sharing information openly and listening to everyone’s views.
Financial Allowances
Fostering is a rewarding journey—and we believe that financial clarity should be part of that support. Here’s a transparent overview of the financial assistance you can expect as a foster carer with our agency in Scotland.
Weekly Fostering Allowances (National Minimum)
From 1 April 2025, all Scottish local authorities must pay at least the following weekly amounts, known as the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA)
Child’s Age Weekly Allowance
0–4 years £171.17
5–10 years £199.14
11–15 years £199.14
16 years+ £272.97
These rates ensure a baseline of financial support that covers essentials like food, clothing, travel, and school supplies.
Fostering Fees – Your Contribution Recognised
Besides the allowance covering day-to-day costs, carers also receive a fee, intended as recognition of the commitment, skills, and dedication you bring to fostering. The specific fee structure varies depending on your agency, fostering type, and your level of experience—so please talk to us for the details of our agency’s competitive package.
Tax Relief: Qualifying Care Relief (QCR)
Foster carers in the UK are treated as self-employed—but with generous tax relief through Qualifying Care Relief (QCR). In real terms, most foster carers pay no income tax on their fostering income, provided it stays within average bounds. This tax treatment ensures that most financial benefit received from fostering supports your care role rather than being eroded by taxation.
At Foundations Matter we believe that every foster carer deserves the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the very best care for children and young people. That’s why we offer a comprehensive programme of training and development, tailored to support you at every stage of your fostering journey.
Training doesn’t stop once you’re approved – it continues throughout your fostering career. We provide a wide range of courses, workshops, and resources covering topics such as:
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Trauma and attachment
- Managing behaviour positively
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
Expert matching and stable placements
The best outcomes for children are achieved by making the best matches. That’s why we take great care to connect children to the right foster parents, providing a platform for their growth and development in a secure and supportive home.
When we match foster parents with children, we involve everyone, sharing information openly and listening to everyone’s views.
Financial Allowances
Fostering is a rewarding journey—and we believe that financial clarity should be part of that support. Here’s a transparent overview of the financial assistance you can expect as a foster carer with our agency in Scotland.
Weekly Fostering Allowances (National Minimum)
From 1 April 2025, all Scottish local authorities must pay at least the following weekly amounts, known as the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA)
Child’s Age Weekly Allowance
0–4 years £171.17
5–10 years £199.14
11–15 years £199.14
16 years+ £272.97
These rates ensure a baseline of financial support that covers essentials like food, clothing, travel, and school supplies.
Fostering Fees – Your Contribution Recognised
Besides the allowance covering day-to-day costs, carers also receive a fee, intended as recognition of the commitment, skills, and dedication you bring to fostering. The specific fee structure varies depending on your agency, fostering type, and your level of experience—so please talk to us for the details of our agency’s competitive package.
Tax Relief: Qualifying Care Relief (QCR)
Foster carers in the UK are treated as self-employed—but with generous tax relief through Qualifying Care Relief (QCR). In real terms, most foster carers pay no income tax on their fostering income, provided it stays within average bounds. This tax treatment ensures that most financial benefit received from fostering supports your care role rather than being eroded by taxation.
