Dumfries and Galloway Council will consider a new Fostering Friendly Policy at the meeting of Enabling and Customer Services Committee on Tuesday 16 June. Members are being asked to consider and approve the proposed policy.
The proposed policy has been developed by Human Resources in consultation with Social Work Services, Joint Trade Unions and other stakeholder groups. It is intended to support colleagues who foster, provide kinship care or may be considering becoming carers, while also helping the council play its wider role as a corporate parent.
The policy is designed to help remove practical barriers for employees who want to take on a caring role. It would provide a clearer framework for support, including leave and flexibility where appropriate and clearer guidance for managers in responding consistently and sensitively.
The proposal comes at a time when there is significant shortage of foster carers, with many leaving within five years. The aim is to support more council employees to consider fostering or kinship care, helping more children and young people stay in safe, stable homes in their own communities.
The work has also been shaped with the involvement of the Joint Trade Unions and wider stakeholder engagement, and the policy has been developed with that support in mind.
Councillor John Campbell, Chair of the Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said:
“This is a positive and practical proposal which reflects the council’s wider responsibilities to children and young people, while also recognising the important role our own workforce can play.
“Fostering and kinship care can make a life-changing difference for children who need safety, stability and support. If agreed, this policy would help create a more supportive environment for colleagues who already care for children in this way, and for those who may be considering it.
“It is also important that this has been developed by Human Resources in consultation with Social Work Services. That joined-up approach matters, because it connects our role as an employer with our wider duty to support vulnerable children and families across Dumfries and Galloway.”
Councillor Ben Dashper, Vice-Chair of the committee, added:
“This is about helping remove barriers and making sure colleagues feel supported if they take on these important caring responsibilities. It is a thoughtful proposal with a clear community benefit.”
If approved, the Fostering Friendly Policy would form part of the council’s wider support for foster and kinship carers and its ongoing work to improve outcomes for children and young people across the region.
The Enabling and Customer Services Committee papers for this item can be viewed on the council’s website at: Agenda for Enabling and Customer Services Committee on Tuesday, 16th June, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council.