Empowering foster carers and adoptive parents through learning and lived experience

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is shining a spotlight on the vital role our foster carers and adoptive parents play in the lives of children and young people with two new initiatives.

A brand new online learning platform, GOLD (Glasgow Online Learning and Development), has been launched to give Glasgow’s foster carers and adoptive parents easy access to high quality training and support materials. This platform received recognition at our HSCP’s 2026 Staff Awards for Excellence.

This new, innovative online learning initiative is now up and running for Glasgow’s foster carers, short-breaks carers and adoptive parents. They can access introductory modules on topics such as Autism and Neurodivergence, Impact of Developmental Trauma and Understanding the Window of Tolerance. Upcoming modules include a focus on Nurture Principles, Child Protection, First Aid and other topics.

The initiative was recently shortlisted in the Innovation category of the 2026 Staff Awards for Excellence, and the goal is to give all of Glasgow’s carers and adoptive parents a chance to complement their in-person learning with online opportunities where they can access valuable content at a time and place that suits them. All modules are designed to be used on a smartphone or tablet – they are short and interactive and carers report they are finding them useful, enjoyable and interesting.

Alongside GOLD, Families for Children has launched a new fostering podcast series called ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’, featuring two dedicated Glasgow foster carers sharing honest conversations about their journeys.

They speak candidly about what fostering really means — the rewards, challenges and the moments that make everything worthwhile. The podcast aims to break down myths, encourage more people to consider fostering and help the public understand the realities of providing a safe and loving home.

You can listen to the podcast on Spotify or at www.fosterglasgow.org.

Together, GOLD and Let’s Talk Fostering underline our HSCP’s commitment to equipping foster carers and adopters with the tools, knowledge and support they need while also amplifying their voices and experiences.

Liz Simpson, Head of Children’s Services/Families for Children and Children’s Residential, said: “Foster carers and adoptive parents do incredible work every day, and these initiatives show our commitment to supporting them with high quality learning, shared experiences and a strong, supportive community.”