The Promise on Paper and the Reality in Practice: A Foster Carer’s Perspective

When Scottish Government launched The Promise, many of us involved in foster care felt hopeful. The commitment to ensure that every care-experienced child grows up loved, safe and respected was exactly what children and families in Scotland deserve. On paper, The Promise is inspiring. It recognises the importance of relationships, stability, and treating children with dignity and compassion.

As a foster carer, I wanted to believe that meaningful change was coming.

Several years on, however, the reality on the ground feels very different.

A Vision Without the Resources

The principles behind The Promise are admirable, but implementing them requires significant investment in people, services and support systems. Unfortunately, local authorities across Scotland are facing severe financial pressures. Social work departments are stretched beyond capacity. Family support services are under-resourced. Foster care teams are trying to do more with less.

The result is that many of the ambitions of The Promise remain aspirations rather than lived realities.

Foster carers are repeatedly told how vital we are to the care system, yet too often we are left without the practical and emotional support needed to provide stable homes for vulnerable children.

Foster Carers Reaching Breaking Point

As Foster Care Fortnight approaches, there is an uncomfortable truth that needs to be acknowledged: many foster carers are becoming increasingly disillusioned.

We continue because we care deeply about the children placed with us. We open our homes, our hearts and our family lives. We navigate trauma, attachment difficulties, education challenges and contact arrangements. We advocate tirelessly for the children in our care.

But too often, carers feel:

• Excluded from key decisions

• Left to manage highly complex behaviours with minimal support

• Waiting months for therapeutic services

• Facing inconsistent communication from professionals

• Under-valued despite the crucial role we play

• Emotionally exhausted and financially stretched

The goodwill of foster carers is not an unlimited resource.

The Cost of Losing Foster Carers

Across Scotland, experienced foster carers are questioning whether they can continue. Some are stepping away entirely, taking with them years of knowledge and commitment. Others remain, but feel increasingly unsupported and unheard.

This should concern everyone.

When foster carers leave, there are fewer safe and loving homes available for children who desperately need them. Recruitment campaigns are important, but retaining experienced carers is equally critical. Without proper support, the system risks losing the very people it depends upon.

Children Deserve More Than Good Intentions

The Promise set out a bold and compassionate vision for Scotland’s children. That vision still matters. But good intentions alone are not enough.

If Scotland is serious about keeping The Promise, then local authorities and national government must provide the funding, staffing and services required to turn words into action. Foster carers need consistent support, access to therapeutic resources, and genuine partnership with professionals.

Most importantly, children need a care system that is adequately resourced to meet their needs.

This Foster Care Fortnight, Listen to Carers

As we celebrate the dedication of foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight, we must also listen to their concerns.

Foster carers are not asking for praise. We are asking for practical support, respect and the resources necessary to care for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.

The Promise offered hope. Now it is time to ensure that hope is matched by action.

Because Scotland’s children deserve more than promises on paper.