As the local authority we are responsible for every child in Fife who needs the stability and security their birth family can’t provide. Fife Council Foster Carers are the first to be considered when a child is needing a home and therefore our Foster Carers are likely to have placements most of the time.

If you don’t have a child placed with you and as long as you are available, we pay a weekly fee, so you have a regular income.

Approved foster carers transferring to Fife Council can also apply to be a Level 2 carer and receive an increased fee.

Our commitment to a high level of support for foster carers includes:

• membership of Fife Foster Carers Association, an independent organisation, run by Foster Carers to Support Foster Carers
• automatic enrolment to become a member of Fostering Network
• local support groups and training, and buddy systems
• access to additional services within the Council to support children’s education and mental health
• annual Conference - where all Fife Council foster carers get together, to listen to professional speakers, discuss new ideas and share informal chats
• excellent free training including specialisms.

‘Derivative’ transfers

A ‘Derivative’ transfer is when a foster carer has been approved by one local authority/agency and is in the process of being assessed by Fife Council. This process can enable Fife Council to assume the immediate support and supervision of foster carers and allow foster carers to offer their services to Fife Council while having children placed with them before they are approved by Fife Council’s panel.