Fostering in Glasgow
Glasgow City is Scotland's largest local authority and has thousands of children who need local foster placements. The city runs extensive fostering recruitment — especially for teenagers and sibling groups.
Glasgow has a particularly urgent need for carers willing to care for teenagers — older children who are most at risk of being placed in residential care when foster placements cannot be found.
What Fostering Looks Like in Glasgow
Glasgow City Council is Scotland's largest fostering service. The city has experienced significant social challenges and consistently has high numbers of looked-after children. Glasgow has invested in its fostering infrastructure with a dedicated Fostering and Adoption Service and strong peer support networks for carers. The wider Greater Glasgow area — including East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire — also has significant fostering need.
Types of Fostering Available in Glasgow
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow City Council | 0141 287 8300 | glasgow.gov.uk/fostering |
| East Renfrewshire Council | 0141 577 3001 | eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/fostering |
| North Lanarkshire Council | 01698 403210 | northlanarkshire.gov.uk/fostering |
| South Lanarkshire Council | 01698 450601 | southlanarkshire.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Glasgow?
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 Glasgow
Does Glasgow have good support for foster carers?
Yes — Glasgow City Council has invested significantly in carer support, including peer support groups, dedicated supervising social workers, and a well-regarded training programme.
Ready to Start Fostering in Glasgow?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.