Supported Care

Register to be a Supported Carer Email the Supporter Carer's Team

What are Supported Carer's?

When young people are getting ready to move on from where they are currently living (over 16yr but preferably older), Glasgow City HSCP have several options for them to consider. 

Supported Carer's are individuals, families or couples who after a thorough assessment invite a young person, who has been looked after away from their family to live with them in their home. Living with a Supported Carer can help them build the practical skills required for adult life, such as cooking, housekeeping and budgeting whilst being in a supported, safe place. Supported Carers offer the young person their own room in the house and provide the day-to-day emotional, social and practical support as the young person needs it. This helps the young person grow in confidence and to feel that they are not alone and to fully develop the skills they will need to one day live independently. Supported Carers can support and encourage the young person to achieve in employment, education, develop hobbies and maintain links with friends and family. Really, Supported Carers give young care leavers the chance to flourish and to look forward to a future living independently.

Why do young people need Supported Care?

Young people leaving care who have been cared for away from their home and families may have been living in a Children's house, or perhaps in a foster placement. They often need more opportunity and support to develop the skills and confidence required for living as adults when it's the right time for them. This could be support with managing household tasks, finances or emotional support as they work out what they want to do in the future. It could be support as they attend college or prepare for the world of work. Our young people prepare to move into Supported Care around the age of 16. They stay for varying lengths of time, from a few months to when they are in their 20's and have completed their education. Supported carer's often help young people make that final transition to their own tenancy.

What kind of people are Supported Carers?

Supported Carers come from a variety of backgrounds. They can be married or single, working or retired, childless or have children still living at home. Just as our young people have different interests, abilities and preferences - we require a wide range of carer's to meet their diverse needs.

If you are interested in being a supported carer then you should have a spare room that is suitable for a young person as well as appropriate access to shared living areas.

We would be very interested to hear from people who feel able to support young mums and their babies.

Do I need qualifications and do I get paid?

You need to have an interest in the welfare of young people but no formal qualifications.  You will also receive ongoing support, supervision and training to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence as a supported carer.  We have a thorough assessment process, which ensures that all of our Supported Carers are fully prepared for the role.

You will receive an allowance for each young person in your care. Currently this is £236.60 per week, plus an additional allowance of £50 per week towards the cost of caring for a young person. There is an additional allowance for a mother and baby placement.

How do I become a Supported Carer?

You can take the next step to find out about the process of becoming a supported carer by:

• completing our online form 
• emailing us, or
• phoning us on 0141 302 2800.