Fostering in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Fostering is run differently in each nation of the UK. This site focuses on fostering in England, so if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you’ll need to get in touch with your own nation’s fostering service instead.

Northern Ireland

Run by Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI), this service provides information on both adoption and fostering in Northern Ireland, including the different types of fostering placements available, the support provided to carers and how to apply.

Scotland

This is the Scottish Government’s campaign encouraging people across Scotland to consider fostering. It explains what’s involved in becoming a foster carer, the support on offer and how to get started, and signposts to local authority and voluntary fostering services throughout the country.

Wales

Foster Wales is the national fostering service for Wales, bringing together all 22 local authorities to recruit and support foster carers. It runs Foster Care Fortnight each year to raise awareness of the need for foster carers across Wales and to share the stories of children and carers involved in fostering.