As a Permanent foster carer, you will provide full-time care to a child, siblings or young person who are usually aged seven years or older until they are 18 years old.

You will be carefully matched with the child and will act as their parent throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Permanent foster carers often maintain contact between children and their families and friends. It is important that children keep in touch with their siblings, parents and friends to maintain their sense of identity.

The term permanent is used specifically in Scotland and refers to a permanence order which is issued by a Sheriff at a court hearing. A permanence order transfers the parental rights of the parents to the local authority who can then decide where the child lives.

The order can last until the child reaches the age of 18 and means the child is no longer is part of the children’s hearing system. This benefits the child or children because it takes away the uncertainty they face about their futures. And they no longer need to attend or be involved with children’s panels.