You may have many questions when you set out on your fostering journey - you can find out some of the answers here.
If your question isn’t listed below or you want to talk to us further, you can give us a call on 0844 800 1941
We know fostering is a big decision to make, so talking about it and finding the right agency for you is really important.
Financial problems are not unusual. Your specific circumstances and the implications of any financial stress will be discussed during your assessment.
Foster carers receive a weekly allowance for looking after a foster child - they do not receive child benefit payments.
As part of the assessment process will undertake a DBS check (formerly Criminal Record Bureau check) on anyone who is being assessed to become a foster carer. So, early disclosure to us of any offences is really helpful.
A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from fostering. A lot will depends on the circumstances, timescale and surrounding background.
There are some criminal offences that will preclude you from becoming a foster carer. If you, your partner, or a member your household has convictions that relate to sexual or violent offences towards children then you will be unable to foster.
As part of the assessment we will do a medical check to ensure that a carer can meet the needs of a child in care. If you suffer from depression or have been prescribed antidepressants this can be discussed with you.
It might be difficult to foster if you do not drive or own a car. The reason for this is that the foster child placed with you would need to attend school and you would need to attend training and regular meetings. This doesn’t mean you can’t foster, it just means that there will be careful consideration about how you can get out and about to meet the demands of being a foster carer. Sometimes the local public transport system will provide adequate means of transport.
You are still able to foster but the welfare of the young person placed needs to be considered. At FosterCare UK, we would not place a child under the age of 5 in a smoking household.
Having a baby will not prevent you from fostering, but if you have children under the age of two there may be limitations on placing children with you.
We generally require that one carer is either at home full time or that their work is flexible enough to allow them to provide the high standard of care.
We offer expert training, both before and during your time as a foster carer. During the applications process to become a foster carer, you will be expected to attend Skills to Foster. It’s a two day course on the basics of fostering.
Carer receive weekly allowance when they have a foster child with them. Click here to find out more about an allowance.
From the moment you to enquire to become a foster carer, the process of becoming a foster carer can take between four and six months.
There is no upper age limit however, the Fostering Regulations state that the minimum age for a foster carer is 21.
Yes – you can foster as a single parent. As long as you meet the fostering requirements – such as being over 21 years of age, in good health and having a spare bedroom.
All applicants and their partners will be required to undergo a DBS criminal record check before becoming a foster carer, so early disclosure of any offences is really helpful. A criminal record will not necessarily preclude you from fostering.
Yes. Same-sex applicants will be assessed in the same way as any other potential carer household.
Many people who foster have their own birth children. Your family dynamics will be assessed and considered in the matching process to ensure the placement is right for you and your family.
If you're making a joint application, you and your partner will need to have a DBS check and attend basic training. This is because they are part of the fostering household and they will be supporting you.
Yes, you can foster if you live in a flat, as long as you have a spare room for the foster child.
Yes – probably! Lots of people who foster have pets. Sometimes children and young people can benefit by forming realtinships with pets, helping them settle more easily into your home.
However, some pets can be risky to children and any possible risks are discussed during the assessment process.
Yes. You will need to seek permission from your landlord before you can foster.
It’s essential that you have a spare bedroom for a foster child as each child you support will need their own space.
Generally, each foster child needs to have their own bedroom. However, young siblings may be able to share a room.
This will be discussed as part of the placement planning process.
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
