I have other questions
These are just some of the most commonly asked questions, but we are sure that you will have lots more. Getting in touch is easy: either pick up the phone or send us your question through our website and we
How will fostering affect my own children?
There are advantages and disadvantages for children of families who foster. We would expect you to discuss these at length with them and they will also be able to talk to a Swiis social worker as part of the assessment
Do I need a driving license?
Whilst we don’t insist that all carers are able to drive, the reality is that it is extremely difficult to do the job if you don’t have access to a car. There are meetings to attend and children often need
Can you foster if you have a long-term health condition?
Your health will be considered when applying to foster and any long-term conditions taken into account. The most important factor is whether you are physically and psychologically fit enough to cope with the demands of caring for a child –
Can I still work and be a foster carer?
As a foster carer, either as a couple or a single carer, someone must be available for the child or young person at all times. We therefore accept that the main carer can work as long as they have total
I was made bankrupt last year – can I still apply to foster?
With all bankruptcies, there is a period defined when you are not able to set up another business. All foster carers are now classed as self-employed and as such we would not be in a position to consider you as
Do you need carers from minority ethnic groups?
Yes! There are not enough carers from BME backgrounds in Scotland. The more we have the closer we will be able to match children’s needs and backgrounds.
Am I too young/old to foster?
You will need to be over 21 years old before you can apply to foster with Swiis. There is no upper age limit in relation to fostering. We will carry out regular checks (including medical) to determine your ability to
How long do my partner and I need to be together before we can apply to foster?
We need to be sure that you are able to provide a stable home environment and so we expect that you will have lived together for at least two years before you become foster carers with Swiis.
We are a same sex couple – can we be considered as foster carers?
Yes, the application process is exactly the same. Partnership status is one of the many areas we look at as part of the assessment of potential foster carers. We are also members of New Family Social, a UK charity led