Home > About Us > Foster Care – FAQ

Who can apply to be a Foster Carer?


Anyone over the age of 25

Will I have to take a medical as part of my application to become a Foster Carer?


Yes, all foster carers have a short medical with their GP.  The information from this is then sent to our medical advisor who considers whether there are any health issues to take into account for fostering purposes. Please don’t be worried about this as there are very few issues which would prevent someone from becoming a foster carer.

What checks will you have to carry out?


There are a variety of checks to carry out that will be discussed with you on your first visit after applying to become a Foster Carer.

What responsibilities will I have as a Foster Carer?


Children who are placed with Foster Carers can be worried, anxious, scared, unsettled and often angry. You role as a Foster Carer is to liaise with all the necessary people and professionals to make sure that each foster child receives the care and support they need during this short time.

As a Foster Carer you are responsible for meeting a foster child’s health care needs, supporting their education and moving them on to independence. You will also find yourself advocating where necessary and raising concerns on the child’s behalf. Most of all, you will need to be committed to providing stability and safety to a foster child, and nurturing them to be themselves.

As a Foster Carer you are caring for someone else’s child, and that child is in the care of the local authority.  In much the same way as looking after your own children, this is a significant responsibility.

Will I be funded for Foster Caring?


Yes, you will receive a fostering allowance. Fostering payments can vary depending on the age of children, and the local authority from where the children are placed. Fostering payments are made weekly.

Will I receive training?


New applicants will receive ‘Skills to Foster’ Preparation training. This is a mixture of on-sight and remote training. This will take place during the assessment process and prior to the presentation to Panel.

Once approved you will be invited to the ongoing training events held for Foster Carers throughout the year, some are mandatory.

Do I have to tell my family?


When you become a foster carer, it is your whole circle of family and friends that are actually fostering each child.  You will need to talk to your family about your plan to become a Foster Carer. Your family will need to welcome foster children into your home and consider what their involvement will mean.

What is foster caring like?


Fostering is parenting as you would parent your own child.