Fostering explained · Choosing your agency
A useful first conversation should leave you clearer about the people, payments and support around you.
Ask who your supervising social worker would be, how often you would meet and what support is available at night or at weekends. It helps to understand the everyday arrangements behind a promise of support.
Ask how an agency considers your household alongside a child’s needs, what information is shared and how you can raise concerns before agreeing to a placement.
Ask for a clear explanation of the allowance, professional fee, expenses and arrangements between placements. You need to understand the whole financial picture.
Ask about preparation, first-year learning and the way training connects to children’s needs. Then ask yourself one final question: do I feel listened to? You should have room to think, compare and decide at your own pace.
Further reading: Read SCF’s full article.
Your next question
A quick conversation can help you connect the information to your own life.
Ask the team Have that conversation with SCF ↗Keep exploring
Yes. Care, consistency and commitment are what matter. Here are a few things to think about.
Explore thisYour experience can be a strength. The conversation starts with your life now, and what you could offer.
Explore thisYou don’t need a partner to foster. You do need the time, stability and support to care for a child.
Explore thisA conversation, at your pace
You don’t need to be ready to apply. A friendly conversation can help you work out your next step.
A first chat takes about 15–20 minutes. No pressure to apply. Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
