Charities vs. agencies vs. local authorities

Compare fostering support and values to make the right choice for you.

When you decide to foster in Scotland, you’ll hear about private agencies, local authorities and charities. Each option has its merits, but charities, and especially Aberlour Children’s Charity, stand apart. Our sole mission is improving the lives of children and families, not generating profit. That single focus, combined with deep roots in Scottish communities, means we deliver a level of expertise, care and commitment you simply won’t find elsewhere.

20 Years of expertise and continuity

Aberlour has been at the forefront of fostering in Scotland for over 20 years. Over the past two decades, we’ve supported hundreds of families through all stages of their journey. Some of our first foster carers and social work staff remain with us today, proof of the strong relationships and rewarding experiences cultivated over time. That continuity translates into stability for children and assurance for carers: you’re joining a team that learns, grows and thrives together year after year.

Charity-led, not-for-profit commitment

Unlike private agencies, we reinvest every penny into services, training and direct support for children. While agencies must balance profit margins, and local authorities juggle wide portfolios, Aberlour’s entire income is channelled back into our services, which aim to improve the lives of Scotland’s children and families.

24/7 expert support

Effective fostering depends on accessible advice at every moment. Aberlour offers round-the-clock support, including:

• A dedicated out-of-hours helpline staffed by experienced social workers
• Emergency placements and crisis-management teams
• Peer networks connecting you with fellow carers

Local authorities often limit support to office hours, while agencies may outsource helplines. With us, you always know exactly who to call, and that person is committed to Aberlour’s child-centred values.

Deep local knowledge and strong partnerships

We live and work in the communities we serve. Our long-term relationships with health boards, schools and community organisations mean smoother transitions and quicker interventions for foster families. Private agencies, to keep costs down, may rely on distant call centres or standardised national procedures. Local authorities can suffer from staff churn and budget pressures. Aberlour’s local teams combine stability with flexibility, tailoring support to the unique needs of Scottish children and carers.

Holistic training and personal development

Becoming a foster carer with Aberlour means joining a learning community. Our training goes far beyond basic induction:

• Regular workshops on attachment, behaviour management and cultural competence
• Mentoring programmes pairing new carers with seasoned Aberlour families

This investment in your development ensures you’re confident, competent and constantly supported, advantages rarely matched by agencies or council schemes.

Choosing where to foster shapes your entire experience, and the future of the child you welcome. Aberlour Children’s Charity offers unmatched expertise, unwavering support and a genuine not-for-profit ethos focused solely on Scotland’s children and families.

Ready to make a real difference? Enquire today about becoming an Aberlour foster carer and join a community dedicated to transforming young lives.