When people begin considering fostering, one of the first practical questions they ask is whether they need a spare room. It is a sensible question, especially when space in the home can be limited. At Care Visions Fostering Scotland, we are clear from the start that a dedicated bedroom is important. This is not about creating an ideal home. It is about ensuring that a young person has a safe and private environment where they can settle, feel secure and become part of family life.

Having a spare room is a requirement across most fostering services because it plays an essential role in supporting a young person’s emotional wellbeing. It helps them adjust to a new environment, build trust with carers and begin to feel grounded after what may have been a period of instability.

A Space of Their Own

For many young people entering foster care, having a bedroom of their own can be an unfamiliar experience. Some may have shared rooms or lived in busy, unpredictable environments. Walking into a home where a bedroom has been set aside specifically for them can help them feel welcomed and valued.

Although it is often good to have the young person involved in how they would like their room decorated and laid out, what matters most is that the space is suitable, comfortable and ready for the young person to make their own. A private space gives them somewhere to rest, store belongings and spend quiet time. This contributes to their confidence and sense of belonging.

We often see that when a young person knows they have their own space, they feel more settled and better able to adjust to any new routines.

Privacy, Safety and Dignity

Young people in care have the same rights to privacy and dignity as any other child. A dedicated bedroom supports this. It allows them to get dressed, sleep and relax without feeling crowded or observed. Many young people have had experiences that made them feel unsafe or uncertain, so having a private space can be reassuring.

From a safeguarding perspective, having separate bedrooms helps maintain clear boundaries within the home. The requirement for a spare room is shaped by these principles, ensuring that a young person’s time in your home is safe, stable and supportive.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing and Routine

A calm and predictable environment can make a big difference for young people who may have experienced stress or trauma. A spare room plays a role in creating that environment by giving them a safe space to regulate their emotions and decompress.

In their room, young people can keep possessions that matter to them, arrange their space and begin to feel settled. Having personal items displayed, choosing bedding or organising belongings can help them feel in control and included in family life.

A bedroom also supports healthy routines such as winding down in the evening, reading before bed or listening to music.

What the Spare Room Needs to Provide

There are often assumptions that a spare room must be large or newly refurbished. In reality, the requirements are straightforward. The room should:

• be clean, safe and in good condition
• be suitable for rest and privacy
• have space for a bed and personal storage
• have appropriate lighting and ventilation
• offer a calm environment for sleep and study

You do not need to decorate the room in advance. Many carers prefer to wait and personalise the space alongside the young person, which can help them feel more connected to their new home.

We Are Here to Support You

If you are thinking about fostering and have a spare room, we would be happy to talk with you. At Care Visions Fostering Scotland, we support carers at every stage of the process and are here to answer any questions about space, suitability or what fostering might look like for your family.

Click here to speak with us on starting your own fostering journey.