Fosterline Scotland launched

A new look advice and information service for foster carers in Scotland has been launched this week by the Fostering Network.

All foster carers, prospective foster carers and social workers in Scotland will now be able to use the confidential Fosterline Scotland service, run by the Fostering Network and funded by the Scottish Government. Fosterline Scotland replaces the Advice, Information and Mediation Service (AIMS), also operated by the Fostering Network, which was only available for foster carers in central and north-east Scotland.

Fosterline Scotland advisers, who can be contacted by phone or email, will provide information and advice about all aspects of fostering from how to become a foster carer to issues around pay, insurance, child care law and allegations. They may also be available to meet with foster carers and fostering services, as appropriate.

England and Wales have similar national advice and information lines for foster carers that have been running for a number of years. Fosterline England and Fosterline Wales – both funded by their respective Governments - and between them take approximately 6,000 calls a year. They provide an essential service to foster carers and are often the first point of call when foster carers need advice or information.

Sara Lurie, director of the Fostering Network Scotland, said: “I am delighted that this service will now be available to all foster carers wherever they are in Scotland, and to anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer. Foster carers often need independent advice about various aspects of fostering and knowing they will get well-qualified advisers dealing sensitively and intelligently with their enquiries makes a real difference to them."

Fosterline Scotland is open 10am-4pm Monday - Thursday and advisers can be contacted by email at fosterlinescotland@fostering.net or by phone on 0141 204 1400. Outside of these times you can leave a message and an adviser will get back to you. The Fostering Network hopes to be able to offer the service five days a week in the near future.