Who can foster through St Andrew's Children's Society?

We are looking for foster carers for children and young people of all ages who could provide short term, long term and short break (also known as respite) foster care.

Single people and couples who are over 21 years of age. We do not have an upper age limit for people who can foster. However, older people would be more likely to be suitable for older children (12+).

We welcome fostering enquiries from older people. We believe older foster carers have an important role to play due to their life experiences and may be able to relate to situations in an especially calm way.

Couples who have been co-habiting for a minimum of two years, though we expect couples to have been together longer.

Single people and couples with and without children. lf you do have children we would take their needs into account first before helping you decide if starting the foster carer process is right for your family.

We welcome fostering applications from LGBTQ+ single people and couples.

We also welcome fostering applications from single people and couples from all ethnic backgrounds.

Single people and couples from all religious denominations or none.

Single people and couples in good physical and mental health. If you are unsure whether you would meet this criterion, please contact us and our Duty Social Worker would be happy to explore who can foster further with you.

In order to foster children under the age of 5 years or a child with a disability, you must be a non-smoker and not vape. This is in line with National Policy.

A spare bedroom is required.

You must live within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Elgin so that we can best support you with the foster child or young person in your home.

You do not need any qualifications to be a foster carer. We will provide you with training tailored to you and your needs.

People who are able to give a child or young person a safe and loving home and are kind, empathetic, patient, good at communicating and resilient.

white cross on grey circle to signify you cannot foster

People who have been convicted of a Schedule 1 or serious offence such as sexual and/or violent offences cannot foster.

Single people and couples who are over 21 years of age. We do not have an upper age limit for people who can foster, however older people would be more likely to be suitable for older children (12+).

We welcome fostering enquiries from older people as we believe older foster carers have an important role to play due to their life experiences and may be able to relate to situations in an especially calm way.

Couples who have been co-habiting for a minimum of two years, though we expect couples to have been together longer.

Single people and couples with and without children. lf you do have children we would take their needs into account first before helping you decide if starting the foster carer process is right for your family.

We welcome fostering applications from LGBTQ+ single people and couples.

We also welcome fostering applications from single people and couples from all ethnic backgrounds.

Single people and couples from all religious denominations or none.

Single people and couples in good physical and mental health. If you are unsure whether you would meet this criterion, please contact us and our Duty Social Worker would be happy to explore who can foster further with you.

In order to foster children under the age of 5 years or a child with a disability, you must be a non-smoker and not vape. This is in line with National Policy.

A spare bedroom is required.

You must live within a 60 mile radius of Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Elgin so that we can best support you with the foster child or young person in your home.

You do not need any qualifications to be a foster carer. We will provide you with training tailored to you and your needs.

People who are able to give a child or young person a safe and loving home and are kind, empathetic, patient, good at communicating and resilient.

white cross on grey circle to signify you cannot foster

People who have been convicted of a Schedule 1 or serious offence such as sexual and/or violent offences cannot foster.

Foster carer getting a surprise box from a young girl sitting on a sofa

Would you like to discuss what fostering entails to help you decide if it is right for you? Please call 0131 454 3370 if you live within 60 miles of Edinburgh. Please call 01224 878 158 if you live within 60 miles of Aberdeen or Elgin.

You can ask as many questions as you like to help you make your decision.

Alternatively, please email info@standrews-children.org.uk and we will get back to you.

Take the next step now!

One of our social workers will then contact you.

Alternatively, please call us on 0131 454 3370 (if you live within 60 miles of Edinburgh) or 01224 878 158 (if you live within 60 miles of Aberdeen or Elgin) or email info@standrews-children.org.uk and we’ll send you an enquiry form to complete and return.

If you have any questions or are unsure if you can adopt or foster through us, please contact us anyway using the details above to speak with one of our social workers.

6 sets of colourful wellies in a row depicting family

We always feel listened to and our views about the service and the young person are valued.