Scotland

Permanence orders were introduced by the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. Permanence orders can only be applied for by the local authority and are designed to safeguard a child who will not be returning home.  A permanence order will remove the child from the children’s hearing system and can last until the child reaches the age of 18.  A permanence order can allow foster carers (and others caring for children) to have some or all of the parental rights and responsibilities needed to make day-to-day decisions affecting the child.

The Children’s Hearings System

The Children’s Hearings System is the care and justice system for Scotland’s children and young people up until the age of 16 (for some children, until 18). Children and young people are referred to the children’s reporter (Scottish Children's Reporter Administration 'SCRA') because some aspect of their life is causing concern.

Foster carer champions

This exciting project offered a unique service to foster carers in Scotland.

Foster carer champions are experienced foster carers with an excellent ability to listen to and support carers who may be experiencing problems or just need some one to talk to. Champions have expertise in a wide variety of areas, such as:

Find out the current numbers of fostered children and foster carers in Scotland, as well as our latest recruitment targets, or read more about fostering legislation in Scotland.