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.

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience of working with children to foster?

While you don’t need to work or have worked with children to become a foster carer, we ask that you have some experience of looking after children, whether that be your own children or someone else’s. We do provide training to give you the skills you may need and to help prepare you for looking after a child.

What kind of children need fostering?

Children and young people come from all different backgrounds and have a range of needs. Our children and young people range from babies to 18-years-old. We also provide placements for parents and babies, unaccompanied asylum-seekers and children with disabilities.

Can I still work if I foster?

It can be possible to work and foster, however you will need to be available to complete school runs, attend appointments and meetings so your role will need to be flexible to accommodate this. 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 all have a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who will visit and call regularly, through every stage of your fostering journey. All of our foster carers also receive 24/7 support for any form of emergencies and are invited to attend training sessions, and support groups to help build their network of foster carer peers.

How long does the fostering process take?

The whole process from your enquiry to being approved 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 support you through your fostering journey and try our best to help you resolve any problems. However, sometimes things just don’t work out. In this instance, your Social Worker would support you to achieve the best outcome for both you and the child or young person living with you.

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

Yes. During your assessment we will discuss with you in detail what child or children would best fit with you and your family taking everyone’s needs into consideration. We always match children with great care, and we always share with you as many details about the child or young person as we can. The final decision will be yours.

Can I foster when living in rented accommodation?

Yes, being in rented accommodation does not exclude you from fostering. You will need to have written permission from your landlord that they consent to you fostering. To ensure stability for children we would also need a minimum of a two-year tenancy agreement.

Do I need to have had my own children?

No, but experience of looking after or working with children and young people gives you an invaluable foundation on which to build your fostering skills.

Do I need to be married?

No, we have foster carers who are single, in a civil partnership, living together or married. If you are in a relationship though, we need to see that it is secure and committed and that you can provide a secure, 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. We request for a medical examination to be undertaken with your GP during the assessment process.

Will I get to know other foster carers?

Yes, when we hold support groups, training, meetings, and events you will get the opportunity to meet our other foster carers. We can also link you to a carer who can offer peer support.

Will the child need their own bedroom?

Yes, this is to allow the child to have privacy and their own space to relax, do homework in a quiet please. There are times when siblings can share, if this is appropriate.

Do I have to to be a British Citizen?

All our foster carers are either British Citizens or have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. This is essential 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 of security.