Foster Care Fortnight: open letter to foster carers

To: all foster carers in Scotland
From: Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise

Dear Foster Families

As Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise I would like to thank you directly for the dedication, care and commitment you bring to the lives of children and young people in foster care.

Through my conversations with foster carers, I have heard clearly about the challenges that can come with the role, but also of the deep rewards in seeing children and young people grow, thrive, and begin to believe in themselves. The relationships you build, and the sense of security you offer have a lasting impact, and the difference you make cannot be overstated.

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the work we are progressing to shape the future of foster care in Scotland.

In our recently published Programme for Government 2025-26, we reaffirmed our commitment to deliver greater consistency and support for foster and kinship carers. The introduction of the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) in August 2023 was a crucial step forward in our ambition to Keep the Promise.

I am, however, also aware of the cost-of-living pressures facing families. That is why, while we consider the findings of the independent review of the SRA, we have committed to providing an additional £1.9 million in 2025-26 to uprate the allowance. This funding recognises the vital role foster carers play, and helps ensure you are supported to provide the care and connection that children and young people need.

As you may be aware, we recently carried out a consultation on the future of foster care, and how the Scottish Government can better support foster carers.  All foster carers were invited to contribute – either by attending one of our in-person sessions or by responding online - and I was delighted to attend one of the sessions myself. Meeting foster carers, and children and young people with experience of care, continues to be one of the most important and valuable parts of my role. These discussions help shape my thinking and the decisions we take to improve the fostering system.

Independent analysis of the consultation responses is currently underway, and we plan to publish the findings as soon as possible. Once that is done, we will set out our next steps and timescales, and we will continue to work with you to make sure these changes are meaningful and achievable.

One clear message from the consultation was strong support for a national foster care recruitment campaign, recognising the ongoing challenges in attracting new foster carers and the need for a co-ordinated, nationwide approach.

That is why, to coincide with Foster Care Fortnight, on 12 August the First Minister launched a national recruitment campaign. The campaign was shaped by what we have heard from local authorities, foster carers and young people. By sharing real and relatable stories - many of which reflect experiences like yours – we hope to show how vital foster care is and that support that is there every step of the way. More information on the campaign can be found at foster care campaign.

I am also proud to share that the Scottish Government has introduced additional paid family leave for foster and kinship carers employed by the Government. This policy recognises the unique role carers play, and ensures our employees can better balance work and caring responsibilities. I am delighted that we have been recognised by The Fostering Network as a Foster Friendly employer, and we will now be proactively working to encourage other organisations and businesses across Scotland, in both the public and private sector, to do the same.

Let me end by restating my deep appreciation for everything you do to provide care and stability for children and young people. You are helping to build a Scotland where all children grow up feeling loved, safe and respected – and where their potential is nurtured and celebrated.