Aberlour | Suitability and references

Foster carer suitability criteria

Becoming a foster carer requires demonstrating the stability, emotional resilience, and commitment necessary for caring for vulnerable children. We assess lifestyle factors, available living space, and the strength of your support network. Our suitability criteria also evaluate your motivations and readiness to integrate a foster child into your family life. This careful evaluation ensures that every approved applicant is well-prepared to take on the rewarding challenges of fostering.

Comprehensive background checks and Disclosure Scotland Screening

Safety is at the heart of our process. All applicants, and every adult household member aged 16 and over, undergo extensive background checks, including a full Disclosure Scotland screening. We verify criminal records, residency history, employment details, and any previous interactions with social care services. This depth of scrutiny is essential to comply with Scottish safeguarding guidelines and to guarantee that every foster home meets the highest standards of child protection.

In-depth reference verification process

Beyond statutory checks, we place great emphasis on reference verifications. Prospective foster carers are required to provide detailed references from both personal and professional contacts. Our team conducts previous partner checks (where parented or being involved in co-parenting), telephone interviews and reviews written references to gain a comprehensive understanding of your character, reliability, and ability to nurture. This additional scrutiny ensures that your profile is thoroughly vetted, reinforcing the quality of care provided to Scotland's vulnerable children.

Transparent assessment and supportive guidance

We believe that a transparent assessment process is key to a successful fostering journey. From your initial enquiry to your final approval, our dedicated team is with you every step of the way. We explain every requirement in clear detail and offer supportive guidance to help you meet the necessary criteria. This collaborative approach not only protects the children but also prepares you for the responsibilities and rewards of fostering.