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Thinking of fostering?

If you are thinking of fostering, we have a range of information for you to explore. 

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  • What is fostering?
  • Why foster?
  • Who can foster?
  • How do I become a foster carer?
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Already fostering?

We have a range of information to support you throughout your fostering journey. 

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  • Preparing to welcome a child into your home
  • Safeguarding
  • Facing an allegation
  • Celebrating and supporting diversity
  • Caring for a child with a disability
  • Caring for an autistic child
  • Attachment and fostering
  • Fostering legislation
  • Fostering and education
  • Fostering and finances
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Training for foster carers
  • Advocacy for children and young people
  • Contact (family time)
  • Facing challenges
  • Complaints to fostering services
  • Transferring fostering services
  • Terms, reviews, and resignation
  • Fostering with pets
  • Fostering and insurance
  • Leaving care

Resources

We have a range of further resources for both current and prospective foster carers. 

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Learn more about how we can support fostering services.

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  • Supporting foster carers
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Find a fostering service Types of fostering Fostering and finances Contact us
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FAQs

  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Preparing to foster guide
  • Counselling
  • Other useful organisations

Frequently asked questions from prospective foster carers

We have a range of information to support those thinking about fostering. We have collected some FAQs from prospective foster carers below.

Can I foster if one of my own children has a disability?

Yes. As with any other application to foster from someone who has children of their own, the fostering service will want to discuss how you would balance the needs of your own child with those of the child you might foster. They would also want to explore with you what the impact of fostering (having other children in the home) might be on your own child.

Fostering families

Can I foster if I smoke?

The Fostering Services Regulations (England) 2011 require the health of prospective foster carers to be considered as part of their fostering assessment. Although smoking is not banned, it will need to be discussed as part of this process. This is because the health and wellbeing of children is paramount, and the government wants children to be protected from the harmful effects of smoking.

All fostering services have their own policies around smoking which take into account the impact on the health of any children that you might foster, and the importance of foster carers as role models for young people in care. This may mean that prospective foster carers who smoke are given support to stop smoking, or that they will be unlikely to be approved to foster children under the age of three, and older children with certain health conditions. It is important that you discuss this with any fostering service that you want to foster for, to make sure that you are aware of their policy around smoking.

Who can foster?

Can I foster if I have had previous financial problems?

Previous financial problems should not prevent you from fostering. Your financial situation will be discussed as part of the fostering assessment process. You will need to be able to show that you are now financially secure enough to provide a stable home, and that you are able to manage the fostering allowances paid to you.

Who can foster? Fostering and finances

Do you have to speak or write English well to be a foster carer?

Many children in foster care don't speak English as their first language and living in a home where their first language is spoken can be very beneficial for them. But you will need an adequate level of spoken and written English to be able to communicate with professionals, support children’s education and to make notes and keep records.

If you have any particular communication needs, such as needing an interpreter or help with keeping records, your fostering service should be able to make the appropriate provision for you.

Who can foster? Celebrating diversity

Can I foster if I work full time?

It is possible to work and foster, but all fostering services will have a policy about this arrangement. For example, if you are fostering as a couple, some fostering services may require at least one carer in the household to be available at all times.

It's also important to consider the flexibility of your employment, as foster carers are required to be available to care for children (including when they are not at school), attend meetings and training, and to support children with contact/family time arrangements. This may be impacted by the age of the children in your care and the support network and community resources you have available to you (for example, after-school clubs). 

If a foster carer is working alongside fostering, and they want to access free childcare hours for the child in their care, they would need to meet the basic requirements for accessing this support and have the agreement of the local authority that this is part of the child's care plan.

Part-time fostering roles such as short breaks foster care may work best alongside other employment.

Who can foster? Types of fostering

Can I apply to be a foster carer if I am planning to move house?

It is unlikely that a fostering service would begin the approval process if you are moving as your home forms an important part of your assessment. You should wait until you have moved into your new home before making an application to foster.

If your assessment has started and you decide to move house, your assessment may be suspended until you have moved into your new home.

Assessment process

How many children can I foster?

Schedule 7 to the Children Act 1989 limits the number of children who may be fostered by a foster carer. The “usual fostering limit” is set at three. This means that no one may foster more than three children unless:

  • the foster children are all siblings in relation to each other, or
  • the local authority within whose area the foster carer lives exempts the foster carer from the usual fostering limit in relation to specific placements (in which case they must set out the terms as detailed below), and
  • the foster carer’s terms of approval allow it (any terms of approval must be compatible with the number of children the foster carer is caring for even if an exemption to the usual fostering limit has been granted, unless the placement is in an emergency and for less than six days).

An exemption from the usual fostering limit can be made at the discretion of the fostering service provider that you are approved by.

A child who is not looked after does not count towards the usual fostering limit. Nevertheless, the needs of all children within the household must be taken into account in deciding whether to grant an exemption from the usual fostering limit. This will be pertinent, for instance, if the foster carer is also offering parent and child arrangements.

Terms, reviews, and resignation

Can I ask for a copy of my Form F (assessment report?)

Most fostering services use the BAAF Form F as the Report used to recommend suitability or otherwise of foster carers to the Fostering Panel. Foster Carers should always see and sign a copy of their Assessment prior to it being submitted to Panel and some Fostering Services automatically provide a copy for the foster carer to keep.  However, the assessment has been done by the fostering service and therefore the Form F belongs to them, rather than the foster carer.

The Foster Carer can request a copy of their Form F/Assessment Report by making a Subject Access Request under the General Data Protection Regulations 2018. The Organisation then has one month in which to provide the information requested and make may a small charge for any photocopies. The maximum amount that can be charged is set by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

If a foster carer wants a copy of their Form F in order to transfer between fostering services, the assessing fostering service should make a request in writing to the current or previous fostering service for this. The Form F should be shared with the assessing fostering service in line with revised guidance under Regulation 32(6) of the 2011 Regulations which require fostering services, to share information to support the assessment of a person’s suitability to foster or adopt, if requested to do so by the fostering service undertaking the assessment.  In these circumstances the foster carer should give written consent for this information to be shared and can also request a copy of the information provided.

Do I have to be a British citizen to become a foster carer?

You do not have to be a British Citizen but you do have to have the right to reside in the UK. Children from a wide range of backgrounds, including those seeking asylum in the UK need foster families who can reflect their cultural or ethnic background. 

 If you are in the UK for a limited time, this would be taken into consideration due to the length of time the approval process can take and the implications/disruption for a child. 

How old do I need to be to foster?

Age is generally not a barrier if you are committed to being a foster carer, it depends on a whole range of other factors.

The Fostering Services Regulations do not set recommended ages for foster carers although some fostering services prefer that applicants are over 21. 

There is also no official upper age limit for foster carers and many older people make excellent carers, providing they are fit and well and able to look after a child or young person.  

Who can foster?

Can I see what is written about me on my fostering file?

Foster Carers have the right, under General Data Protection Regulations 2018 to see and to request a copy of all information held about them, whether on paper files, or electronically.

In order to do this they need to make what is called a Subject Access Request either verbally or in writing. If the request is made verbally it is recommended to follow this up in writing to provide a clear trail of correspondence. The Organisation then has One Month in which to provide the information requested. For complex requests the organisation may take an additional month or two but will need to inform you within the original month that they will require more time and the reason why it will take longer.

A copy of your data should be provided free of charge but the organisation may make a small charge for additional copies. The organisation can only charge a fee if the request is `manifestly unfounded or excessive` and would be a reasonable fee for administrative costs associated with the request.

There are some exceptions to the information that can be shared; this includes:

  • information about another person and the other person has not given permission for their information to be shared, or
  • if by complying with the Subject Access Request a criminal investigation would be put at risk, or
  • is likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual or someone else.

Further information is available by visiting Information Commissioner’s Office

Can I foster if I live outside the UK?

In general, you cannot apply to become a foster carer with a UK-based fostering service if you are living outside the UK. There are exceptions to this including family and friends foster carers looking after a specific child and British Armed Forces families who are posted overseas. For more information about fostering overseas, please see the International Foster Care Organisation (IFCO) website.

How long does the assessment process take?

Generally speaking, the assessment, training and approval process should take around four to six months on average, but can take longer.  The National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2011 state that the suitability of a prospective foster carer must be decided upon within eight months of their application to foster.

Assessment process

Do I need a spare room to foster?

Most fostering services prefer you to have a spare bedroom if you are going to foster children over the age of 3. The National Minimum Standards (10.6) states that a looked after child over the age of 3 should have their own bedroom where physically possible and some fostering services may have a policy that exceeds this minimum requirement. Any decision to agree a room share would need the consent of the local authority taking into account the child's wishes and feelings, their known history and any risk factors (such as sexualized behavior or bullying). If you have space for a cot in your bedroom and wish to foster young babies this will depend on whether there is a need for this type of foster carer currently in your are. It may be helpful to contact more than one fostering service in your area to identify any that are recruiting for this type of foster carer currently. Other options to consider may include respite or short break fostering that might involve day care or occasional overnight care.

Who can foster?

What is the difference between a Local Authority and Independent Fostering Service?

The term “Local authority” refers to the local council for each area. This could be a town or city or a county (for example Birmingham City Council, The London Borough of Brent, Kent County Council).  Each local authority usually has their own fostering service, and some have formed clusters to work together to provide a single recruitment hub service.

In addition, there are numerous independent fostering providers. These may be run by charities or private companies, and they provide foster placements for children on behalf of local authorities.

Children come into the care of the local authority where they live. That local authority will place the child in the most appropriate type of care (foster care, residential care or other arrangement). The local authority will look for available foster carers within their own fostering service and with independent fostering providers.

You may choose to foster either for a local authority or an independent fostering provider (agency). It may be helpful to research local fostering services before deciding who you wish to apply to as you can only be approved with one fostering service. 

Find a Fostering Service Events

I am undertaking a fostering assessment. It has stirred up some emotions from the past that I thought I had dealt with. Is any support available to help me with this?

The assessment process is rigorous, and can sometimes raise emotions in relation to events of the past. Fosterline is available to help applicants understand the process and provide emotional support. In the event of the caller needing further support the adviser can, with the callers consent, make a referral for free phone based counselling sessions. Details of the Fosterline counselling service can be found here.

Counselling

Frequently asked questions from current foster carers.

Our pages for those already fostering provide a range of support on a variety of topics. We have collected some additional frequently asked questions below. 

Can I take a foster child on holiday with me?

Holidays are a natural part of family life and taking foster children with you is encouraged as it can be a way to build trust and bond relationships further as an inclusive member of the family. Holidays can offer foster children the opportunity to experience things they may never have otherwise, such as new cultures, foods, lifestyles, diets and activities abroad.

This not only broadens children’s horizons, but motivates them to embrace diversity and appreciate how people from different backgrounds live their lives. Holidays can educate, as well as be enjoyed by the whole family unit and supports the foster child in their social, emotional, psychological and personal development.


Holiday permission: rules and regulations

As laid out in the Government’s Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards: “Children can stay overnight, holiday with friends, or friends and relatives of their foster carer, or go on school trips, subject to requirements of the care/placement plan, if foster carers consider it appropriate in individual circumstances. DBS checks are not normally sought as a precondition.”

This means that as long as the child’s individual circumstances are taken into account, and their welfare and safety considered paramount, in most cases foster children are able to go on holiday. However, if your foster child is going on holiday without you, arrangements should be approved and agreed by the child’s social worker and your supervising social worker. Holidays abroad however need more preparation, planning and local authority consent.

If you are thinking of taking your children with you on holiday here’s a quick checklist:

1. Do you have delegated authority to do so?
2. Is there an agreement in place between the social workers and yourself to allow the holiday?
3. Have you notified the child’s social worker exactly when and where you will be going?
4. Are room-sharing arrangements clear and acceptable, taking into account your foster child’s background and history?
5. Are any vaccinations required, and if so has permission been obtained from the relevant professionals? This would include the Local Authority Social Worker, the Supervising Social Worker, and birth parents where appropriate.
6. Avoid term time bookings for holidays, as consent from the local authority would be needed and is unlikely to be granted unless there are exceptional circumstances. Check with your child's social worker before making any booking.
7. Consider contact arrangements and discuss any impact and any changes in date required well in advance with the social workers
8. Have you obtained a letter of consent from the social worker for passport control? This will be expected when taking a foster child abroad.
9. If planning to go abroad, check that the child has an up to date passport, or talk to the child's social worker who will need to apply for this. Allow plenty of time.
10. For holidays abroad bear in mind travel insurance should cover the whole family including your foster children. Take a European Health Insurance card for every traveller if going to the EU.
11. Are there any issues to consider when planning/ preparing for the holiday? For example, an autistic child may be more impacted by the change of scenery, sleeping arrangements and daily routine than other children.
12. Ensure you take with you any medication, creams, comfort toys, and contact numbers for your social worker and the Emergency Duty Team in case of out of hour’s issues.
13. Most importantly of all – enjoy your holiday!

Effectively holidays with foster children are about being inclusive not exclusive. You are building precious memories and can save photos for the child’s life story book including any souvenirs’ purchased. Holidays promote adaptability and self confidence in children but bear in mind any specific requirements for your foster child as for some too much change can cause behavioural challenges, it’s about knowing the limits of your foster children and working with them to plan an enjoyable break for everyone.  

Read our blog post with our top tips for taking a foster child on holiday:

Blog

What if a child is being moved against their wishes?

If your foster child is unhappy at an upcoming move, they have a right to have their voice heard and an independent advocate should be appointed to support them. The local authority should freeze any potential move until this process has been completed so that the child's views can be considered within the care planning process. If the local authority does not pause decision making issues can be raised with the help at hand advice and assistance service for children in care:  https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/help-at-hand/

Advocacy for children and young people

How do I, or a child, contact the NSPCC?

The NSPCC's Childline is an important service which offers children in care help, advice and counselling. Many children and young people in care experience instances of loneliness, depression or a feeling of isolation. A child in care can contact a ChildLine counsellor at any time who will listen and offer advice and support. Childline is available to under 19s, and children can call, email or have a 1-2-1 counsellor chat online.

The NSPCC website is: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/ and the Childline number is: 0800 1111.

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Have more questions?

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Our friendly and experienced fostering advisors are here to support you throughout your fostering journey. You can contact Fosterline by phone, email, or webchat, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 5pm. 

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