Frequently Asked Questions

(or FAQ's!)

You probably have lots of questions about fostering, so here we have answered some of those that are most frequently asked. We do not doubt that you will have many more questions while you are on your fostering journey, so please know that you can contact us any time and a member of our team will be happy to answer those questions for you.

Do I need experience working with children to foster?

No, to become a foster carer you do not need any previous experience with children. You will get training and courses to teach you everything you need to know about fostering and to prepare you for all scenarios when looking after a child.

What kind of children need fostering?

We have children and young people from all different backgrounds. Our children and young people range from babies to 18-years-old. We also provide parent and baby placements, unaccompanied asylum-seeking placements and children with disabilities.

Can I still work if I foster?

It can be possible to work and foster, however this will be assessed on an individual basis. You will need to be available to complete school runs, attend appointments and meetings so your workplace will need to be flexible. If you do work, it’s important that you can show you are able to prioritise effectively. Many of our foster carers find it easier to work part-time or flexible hours. If you are looking to foster younger children or children who have specific needs they may require a carer who is available on a full-time basis.

What support do you offer?

Our foster carers are assigned a Supervising Social Worker who visits and calls

regularly, through every stage of their fostering journey. All of our foster carers also receive 24/7 support for any form of emergencies and are invited to attend training sessions, support groups and social outings.

How long does the fostering process take?

The whole process from your enquiry to being approved by panel can take

up to 8 months. This includes several home visits and our Skills to Foster course.

What if a placement doesn’t work out?

We will always support you through your placements and try our best to help you tackle any problems. However, sometimes placements just don’t work out. In this instance, your Social Worker would support you to achieve the best outcome for both you and the young person concerned.

Will I have a choice in the placements I am given?

Yes. During your assessment, we will discuss with you in detail what kind of placements you feel you would be able to offer. The agency always matches placements with great care, and we always tell you as many details about referrals as we can. You are not under any obligation to take a placement if you do not think it is appropriate for you.

Am I allowed to rent when fostering?

Yes you can rent when fostering, you can also live in a house, bungalow or a flat! We just need your home to be loving and safe for the child coming to stay. As long as they have their own room, you have permission from your landlord, and you have no intentions of moving whilst you are welcoming a child in your home, it doesn’t matter.

Do I need to have had my own children?

While having some child care experience either professionally, or personally is an advantage, it is not essential. The most important thing is that you show enthusiasm to wanting to care for a child.

Do I need to be married?

No, we have foster carers who are single, married or in a same sex relationship. If you are in a relationship though, you will have to show that it is secure and committed and that you can provide a loving environment for a child.

Am I too old to foster?

The minimum age limit to foster in the UK is 21 but fostering has no upper age limit! As long as you are fit enough to look after a child there is no reason you wouldn’t be allowed to foster.

Will I get to know other foster carers?

Yes, when we hold support groups, meetings and events where you will get the opportunity to meet our other foster carers.

Do I need to have a bedroom?

Yes, one of our requirements when fostering is having a spare bedroom. This is to allow the child privacy and space. Some foster children would have never experienced these things, so having their own room can be a big deal for a child.

Do I have to have right to remain in the UK?

You need right to remain as we wouldn’t want a child settling into a home then having to move. We want to allow all our children to feel a sense security and trust.