Fostering in Edinburgh
Edinburgh and the Lothians need more local foster carers. Scotland's capital has its own fostering framework — Fostering Scotland — with distinct regulations and pay structures.
Scotland has its own foster care regulatory framework. The process is similar to England but assessed against Scottish standards. Support organisations like Foster Kinship Scotland provide additional help.
What Fostering Looks Like in Edinburgh
Fostering in Scotland is governed by the Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations and the National Care Standards. The City of Edinburgh Council runs an active fostering recruitment programme. Foster Kinship Scotland and Scotland's Fostering Network are key support organisations. Pay in Scotland is generally comparable to equivalent English rates, with the council rate and IFA rate both available. Edinburgh's position as a capital city means excellent specialist services for looked-after children.
Types of Fostering Available in Edinburgh
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| City of Edinburgh Council | 0131 553 8394 | edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering |
| East Lothian Council | 01620 827827 | eastlothian.gov.uk/fostering |
| Midlothian Council | 0131 271 3900 | midlothian.gov.uk/fostering |
| West Lothian Council | 01506 280000 | westlothian.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Edinburgh?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in Edinburgh
Is the fostering process different in Scotland vs England?
Similar but not identical. Scotland uses its own national standards and regulations. The Form F assessment process is broadly comparable and IFAs operate across the border.
Can English-approved foster carers move to Edinburgh and continue fostering?
You would need to transfer your approval to a Scottish agency or Scottish LA. The process involves an update assessment rather than starting from scratch.
Ready to Start Fostering in Edinburgh?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.