If you want to foster in Edinburgh, you can contact the City of Edinburgh Council’s fostering team or one of the local independent and charity fostering services.
Fostering services in Edinburgh
Fostering services in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Fostering – City of Edinburgh Council – Edinburgh
- St Andrew’s Children’s Society – 7 John’s Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EL
- Room4U fostering – 68 St John’s Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8AT
- meadow park foster care – 37 Meadowpark Cres, Bathgate EH48 2SX
- Barnardos Caern Project – 5 Gogarmuir Road, Edinburgh EH12 9BZ
You can also browse all fostering services in Scotland or see fostering in Glasgow.
Not sure which service to contact?
Tell us your postcode and we will put you in touch with up to three fostering services near you. Free, no obligation.
Get matched with a fostering agencyWhat fostering is like in Edinburgh
Edinburgh needs foster carers for children of all ages. The council offers informal chats and one-to-one calls for anyone thinking about fostering.
Council or independent fostering agency?
Council fostering services work directly with the authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Speak to more than one service before you decide.
How much do foster carers get paid in Scotland?
Scottish councils pay foster carers at least the Scottish Recommended Allowance, which rose by 3.8% for 2026/27:
- £177.68 a week for a child aged 0 to 4
- £206.71 a week for a child aged 5 to 15
- £283.35 a week for a young person aged 16 and over
Councils and agencies set their own fees on top of the allowance.
For full 2026/27 rates across the UK, see How much do foster carers get paid?
How to become a foster carer
- Make an enquiry – a short, no-obligation chat with your chosen service.
- Home visit – a social worker visits to talk about fostering and your home.
- Training – a preparation course before or during your assessment.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Edinburgh: FAQs
Do I need to own my home?
No – you can rent or own, but you will usually need a spare bedroom. See Can I foster if I don’t own my home?
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Sometimes, depending on the child’s age and needs. Read Can you foster if you work full-time?
Can single people foster?
Yes. You can foster whether you are single, married or in a relationship, LGBTQ+, and of any faith or none.
Learn more
Read our free fostering guide or browse fostering guides for other areas.