Fostering

Why Do Children Need Foster Care?

Foster carers look after children and young people so that families have time to sort out their difficulties.  Most children and young people return home to their families, however for some children and young people this might not be possible for a variety of reasons.  In these cases we might consider long term fostering or adoption as an outcome for the child or young person.

Children who need foster care come from all areas across West Dunbartonshire so we need foster homes from the towns and surrounding areas of Dumbarton, Clydebank and Alexandria. Our aim is to help keep children and young people within West Dunbartonshire as local as possible to their families, friends and schools.

Fostering is a brilliant way to make a big difference in a child’s or young person’s life and is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. Fostering will help a child learn, grow and develop.  We offer a full range of support and guidance, as well as a financial package to assist our Foster Carers.  

We believe that most children benefit from being cared for in a family where they can get the individual care and attention they need. Some children need temporary fostering, while others need a permanent placement with foster carers or adoptive parents. 

For case studies on those who are foster carers, please visit - Case Studies - West Dunbartonshire HSCP

Can I become a Foster Carer?

Foster carers must be over 21.

A foster carer can be single, married, widowed, divorced or cohabiting in a stable relationship.

You may or may not be in employment, but if working you need to have sufficient time and flexibility to meet the needs of a child.

Children who are accommodated are likely to have some emotional and behavioural difficulties due to their early experiences. Carers need to have patience; understanding and resourcefulness to help the child overcome these challenges.

Foster carers may either own or rent their homes. They may live in a flat or a house. It is preferable for the child you foster to have a room of their own though younger children may share where appropriate. Very young babies may be able to share a room with a carer.

There is also no official upper age limit on foster care and many older people make excellent carers, providing they are able to look after a child or young person. They bring a wealth of skills and experience to the task and many young people find it easier to relate to an older person.

What is the process to become a Foster Carer?

1. Complete the online enquiry form.
2. The Fostering service will undertake a home visit to discuss your application further and to explore with you your reasons for applying to foster and any child care experience you may have.
3. The service will compile a short report following this visit which will include a recommendation to the Assistant Principal Officer of whether you wish to proceed to the next stage of assessment.
4. You will be invited to attend Preparatory groups which will provide you information on Fostering and the Law, Separation and Loss, and issues surrounding abuse and neglect for the accommodated child.  These groups will be held over two full days and two evenings, or three full days.
5. The Home Study Report ensures that you can offer a safe and caring home to a child or young person. The Social Worker will visit you a number of times to talk in detail about the qualities you will need and for you to demonstrate your skills and experiences. The Social Worker may wish to speak to your wider family and any other people who are important to your support network. Together you will work out how many children you could foster and what ages. Your Social Worker will also undertake a variety of detailed checks, including Police and Health Checks. Once the social worker has completed the report, you will receive a visit from the manager responsible for Fostering and Adoption Services who will complete a further brief report on you for the Fostering Panel. You will have the opportunity to read these reports and add your own comments.
6. The last stage in the approval process is for the Social Worker to present the report to the Fostering Panel.  You will be invited to attend the Panel. You may also bring along a family member or friend for support. The Panel chairperson has a background in childcare and fostering. The panel members all have a great deal of relevant experience. They include current foster carers, an adoptive carer, educational staff, a Medical Advisor and Senior Social Work staff with experience in child care. It is their task to consider all the information, to talk with you and your assessing Social Worker, then to decide whether to recommend you for approval to the Head of Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services and Chief Social Work Officer who then has 14 days in which to make the final decision. You will be advised of this final decision.

Do I get paid to be a Foster Carer?

Yes, when a child is placed with a foster carer they will receive a weekly fostering allowance which is intended to cover the costs of looking after a child in foster care, such as clothing, food and pocket money. The amount varies depending on the age of the child. 

Foster carers also receive a fee in recognition of their time, skills and experience. Our Fees and Allowances page has further information.

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

The time it takes to become a registered foster carer can vary, it takes an average of between 6-12 months.  

Can I work as well as being a foster carer?

Yes, the service will discuss your individual circumstances at the home visit.

Ask a question

If you would like more information on fostering please read our information pack.

If you would like to chat informally please call or email on:

• call: 0141 562 8800 or 01389 776414
• email: fostering@west-dunbarton.gov.uk