This page lists fostering agencies working across Scotland, covering Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, and communities across the Highlands, Lowlands, and Islands. Compare agencies here before making any decisions.
Fostering in Scotland – A Distinct Picture
Scotland has a noticeably different profile to the rest of the UK when it comes to children in care. Scotland has bucked the trend seen elsewhere, with a 12% decrease in the number of children in care in recent years, falling by 1,168 since 2013. That is good news, and reflects sustained investment in family support services designed to keep children at home where it is safe to do so.
Even so, there are approximately 2,828 approved fostering families in Scotland, and every year hundreds of new foster families are needed. The need for foster carers remains real and consistent, particularly for children with more complex needs and for placements in rural and island communities where options are limited.
How Fostering Is Regulated in Scotland
Fostering in Scotland operates under a different regulatory framework to England and Wales. Fostering agencies in Scotland are regulated by the Care Inspectorate Scotland, not Ofsted. Inspections assess the quality of care, support for carers, and outcomes for children. When comparing agencies in Scotland, look for their Care Inspectorate grade rather than an Ofsted rating.
75% of children in care in Scotland live in foster placements, which is significantly higher than in England. Kinship care – where children are cared for by grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives – makes up a substantial proportion of that total. Independent fostering agencies play a smaller but still important role in the Scottish system.
The Unique Context of Scottish Fostering
Scotland's geography creates fostering challenges unlike anywhere else in the UK. In the Highlands, Islands, and remote rural communities, the shortage of local foster families can mean children being placed far from home, losing connections to schools, friends, and communities. Local carers in these areas are particularly valued.
Urban Scotland, particularly Glasgow and Edinburgh, has a more concentrated need. Both cities have large numbers of children in the care system and a growing community of foster carers supported by both local councils and independent agencies.
Support Available to Scottish Foster Carers
The support framework in Scotland broadly mirrors that in England, with pre-approval training, an allocated supervising social worker, ongoing training and development, peer support networks, and out-of-hours helplines.
Scotland has invested significantly in therapeutic approaches to foster care, recognising the complex trauma histories of many children who enter the system. Agencies specialising in therapeutic fostering are well established in Scotland, and carers with the right disposition and training can access this as a pathway.
Who Can Foster in Scotland?
The eligibility requirements in Scotland are broadly similar to the rest of the UK. You need to be over 21, have a spare bedroom, and have the right to live and work in the UK. You do not need to own your home, be married, or have formal qualifications.
Scotland has a strong tradition of community care. Whether you live in a Glasgow tenement, a Borders farmhouse, or a remote Highland community, there are children who could benefit from what you can offer.
Types of Fostering Available in Scotland
Short-term fostering, long-term fostering, emergency fostering, and short breaks fostering are all available across Scotland. Parent and child fostering supports young parents alongside their babies. Therapeutic fostering provides specialist care for children with complex trauma histories and comes with enhanced training and support.
Finding an Agency in Scotland
The agencies below work across Scotland. Check their Care Inspectorate ratings, the areas they cover, and their specialist areas. Most agencies welcome an informal first conversation – use it to ask the questions that matter most to you.