Fostering criteria

We are committed to helping vulnerable and young people to live with supportive families and safe, caring home environments.

There are many misconceptions about carer eligibility. At West Lothian Council, we welcome foster carers from all family situations, backgrounds and cultures.

You can be:

• From any sexual orientation
• Single, married or co-habituating 
• From any ethnic or cultural background and with diverse range of life experience
• With or without children
• You can own your own home or be renting
• Working full-time, part-time or not working (however, it is important that you are able to support a child with all aspects of their care which may include attending meetings during the day)
• You can have been care experience yourself 

There are some compulsory requirements to become a foster carer:

• You must be over the age of 21 years 
• You must have a spare bedroom 
• You must be willing to undertake checks and comprehensive assessment 

West Lothian Council welcomes applications from approved foster carers from other agencies.