Permanence Fostering The Permanence Service started in 2010 and was set up in response to the national shortage of carers for children who require a permanent fostering placement. These children, generally aged between 4 and 12 years, cannot return to their birth family and are not considered appropriate for adoption. They need a ‘Family for Life’, in which they can settle, feel secure and develop their potential. The Swiis Permanence Team offers multi-disciplinary support to carers, tailored to the individual needs of the child. We have an involvement officer, therapist and resource worker within the team, as well as experienced social workers. We often receive enquiries asking about the personal requirements in order to foster. Swiis are inclusive of all applicants of any marital status, gender or sexual orientation. Many of the children referred to us have very complex needs and require a lot of individual attention, therefore, families with several young children may not be the best environment for them. We are also happy to discuss options with prospective carers and will answer questions as honestly as we can. Support Group We have a lively support group for permanent carers which meets every two months in Dunfermline to ensure our carers have an opportunity to meet with staff and other carers for ongoing support. Periodic ‘Men in Foster Care’ meetings also take place. We also have our Children Who Foster group. This is a support and activity group for our foster carers’ own children run by experienced staff. This group meets regularly and talks about experiences within the fostering family. It also allows the opportunity to share and discuss issues in a supportive environment. Local Initiatives: We have excellent relationships with all local authorities throughout Scotland and work in partnership with them to provide the best possible permanent placements for children and young people. We also have strong links within the local communities with a focus on providing local placements for local children. Awards Opportunities for children and young people to achieve accredited awards is very important to us – it recognises their talents and skills: Volunteering Skills Awards at levels 3 and 4 Personal Achievements Awards at levels 1 and 2 Sports Leader from Playmaker up to level 5 Hi5 Youth Scotland Awards We have recently been awarded the Investors in Young People Good Practice Gold accreditation, as well as the Investors in People Platinum Award. Specialist Services We have experienced workers in the team, including social workers, an education adviser, therapist and resource workers. We offer consultation and support to carers and individual and group support to children, tailored to individual need. Attachment groups are offered for all our carers following placements, giving carers the skills required to make sense of the child’s behaviour and how best to respond positively to the challenges they face. If appropriate, our educational adviser and/or therapist can offer support to other professionals e.g. school staff. We also provide a range of training and consultation opportunities. We operate a support carer scheme to encourage carers to nominate members of their family or support network who can be assessed to provide short breaks if required. Ask a question or request a call back Send a quick question to our foster carer recruitment team and they can email a reply or call you back How much is the fostering allowance? How often should I expect a placement? Ask away… ↻ Privacy policy FAQs News Fostering Resources Contact Careers in Social Work Can I foster? For Local Authorities Locations REFER-A-FRIEND More from Swiis 0333 240 9049 hello@swiisfostercarescotland.co.uk Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM © 2021 Swiis Foster Care Scotland Limited Terms of use | Privacy policy | Acceptable use policy | Cookies | Modern slavery act statement Head Office, Glenelvan House, Enterprise Way, Carnegie, Campus South, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8PY Company Reg. No: 273400 | Tel no: 01383 842 284 | Fax no: 01383 842 288 By using this website, you agree to our cookie policy X