FAQs

Foster carers look after children who cannot live with their families, whether it is for a short period or longer-term. Foster carers work alongside other people who play an important part in the life of a child, such as social workers and healthcare professionals. They play a vital role in helping the children in their care to maintain contact with the child’s family.

Foster carers need to like children and keep liking them despite what may happen. Foster carers need to be loving, patient, understanding, tolerant, resilient, flexible, open-minded, energetic, have a sense of humour and be prepared to stick with it.

Yes, many foster carers have jobs or work for themselves. What matters is being flexible so that the child can access everything they need, including contact with their family members and attending appointments.

You will receive a weekly allowance for each child you foster, which is based on their age.

Every situation is different, but on average from the time that we receive your completed application form to approval at panel, the length of time is usually three to six months.

The minimum age to become a foster carer is 21. For most foster carers it is important they have had some life experience. There is no upper age limit and many people foster well into their 70s.

We need different carers for different children. Sometimes not having other children at home will benefit the foster child.

You do not need to be married or living with someone; we welcome applicants from single people.

Not at all! We pride ourselves on attracting people from diverse backgrounds.

Absolutely! If you can support, love and care for a foster child then we would love to hear from you.

It does not matter if you live in a house or flat as long as you have the facilities to look after a child or young person.

You will need a spare bedroom if you wish to foster a child over the age of three, but you can foster a baby if there is space for a cot in your bedroom. Siblings may be able to share a room.

Yes, you don’t have to be the owner of the property. But you will need permission from the landlord.

Having a criminal record does not mean you cannot become a foster carer. If you have a past or current conviction, you must discuss it with the social worker who visits you, before you decide to go ahead with your full assessment.

Not necessarily. Their parents may be ill or going through a period of crisis, which means they are temporarily unable to look after their children.

No, you can foster without British citizenship and even if you don’t have Indefinite Leave to Remain. Your local council won’t accept applications from those residing in the UK on a student visa.

Children under five years old or with specific health needs will not be placed with foster carers who smoke or vape. Children over five years old may occasionally be placed with carers who smoke or vape, but we expect the carer, or member of the household who smokes/vapes, to do so outside the home. This is because of the serious health issues for all children from passive smoking/vaping.

Young people may be able to stay with their foster families, if both parties agree. This arrangement is known as ‘Staying Put’. It is not the same as a foster placement as the young person staying put is no longer a child in care and instead receives dedicated support as a care-experienced young adult. Financial support is available to former foster carers who want a Staying Put arrangement; this varies from council to council.