What Happens When I Enquire About Becoming a Foster Carer?

Taking the first step towards becoming a foster carer can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. At Scottish Adoption and Fostering, we understand that you may have lots of questions and that’s exactly why we’re here to help.

When you enquire about fostering with us, whether through our online form or by sending us an email, one of the first people you’ll hear from is Sara Smith, our Development Officer. Sara is often the first friendly voice prospective foster carers speak to, helping guide people through the process with warmth, honesty and understanding.

Meet Sara

Sara brings a huge amount of personal and professional experience to her role. Having been a foster carer herself for 21 years, she understands first-hand both the rewards and challenges that fostering can bring.

Before joining Scottish Adoption and Fostering, Sara worked with The Fostering Network Scotland, supporting fostering services and carers across Scotland, as well as helping campaign for positive change within the Scottish Government.

Sara says:

“Hi, I’m Sara Smith and I’m the Development Officer at Scottish Adoption and Fostering. This is an exciting role for me because although I’m not a social worker, I bring a huge amount of lived experience, having been a foster carer for 21 years.

My role focuses on the recruitment, retention and training of foster carers. If you make an enquiry with us, I’ll usually be the person who contacts you first for an initial chat.

After that, myself and one of our social workers will visit your home to carry out an initial interview. From there, I’ll arrange for you to attend our Preparing to Foster training, which I deliver myself.

You’ll then move into the statutory home study stage before going to panel for approval with one of our social workers but throughout the whole process I’m always there in the background if extra support or training is needed.”

Support Every Step of the Way

At Scottish Adoption and Fostering, we believe fostering should never feel like something you do alone. Sara’s support continues long after approval too.

“Once you’re approved and children are placed with you, I’m still available to provide additional support, help create your personal training plan and support you with mandatory training.

Sometimes I’m simply there to listen and when needed, I come with cake!

I also run foster carer coffee mornings, which include a bit of training alongside reflective peer support time for carers to connect with one another.

It’s my role to sit alongside you throughout your fostering journey.”

Thinking About Fostering?

No matter what stage you’re at, whether you’re simply curious about fostering or already considering taking the next step, we’d love to hear from you.

Getting in touch doesn’t commit you to anything. It’s simply an opportunity to have a friendly conversation, ask questions, and find out more about whether fostering could be right for you and your family.

Reach out to Scottish Adoption and Fostering today, Sara would be delighted to have a chat.