Your questions
You might be wondering about the spare room. Or your job. Or whether you have what it takes. There’s a good chance someone else has asked it too.
For most fostering, a child needs a bedroom of their own. Arrangements for a baby can be different initially. Tell us about your home and we’ll explain what could work.
Yes. Being single does not rule you out. We’ll talk about the time you can offer, the people you can turn to and how fostering would fit around your everyday life.
It may be possible if your work is flexible enough. A child’s needs come first, including school, appointments and time with their family. We’ll look at the practicalities with you.
Renting is not an automatic barrier. Your home needs to be stable and suitable, and we’ll talk through any permissions needed from your landlord.
Being over 55 does not rule you out. What matters is your ability to meet a child’s needs, including your health, energy and the commitment you can offer.
No. We’ll explore your experience of caring for others and the skills you bring. Preparation and ongoing learning will help you understand the role.
It depends on their care plan and the type of fostering. Some stays are brief and others last for years. Plans can change, and the child’s team will keep reviewing what they need.
Yes. Your experience, household and preferences are part of assessment and matching. We also need to consider the individual needs of each child.
Where it is part of the care plan, you help support a child’s relationships with their family. The arrangements and your role are agreed with the professionals involved.
Speak to your supervising social worker. Reflection and practical support are part of fostering, and experienced out-of-hours advice is available when you need it.
It may be possible, depending on your approval, space and ability to meet the children’s needs. Sibling relationships are considered carefully during matching.
Standard weekly payments are £479.50 for children aged 0–10 and £507.50 for children aged 11+, per child while placed. The amount combines the child’s allowance and your professional fee. Read the payment details.
Preparation training helps you understand the role before approval. Learning continues through your first year and beyond, alongside supervision and opportunities to learn with others. Explore training.
You can explore a transfer with us. There is still an assessment and approval process, and any children living with you need a carefully agreed plan. Read about transferring.
No. Your first conversation is simply a chance to ask questions, tell us about your circumstances and decide whether you want to find out more.
Try a different word, or ask us your question directly.
Let’s talk about fosteringA conversation, at your pace
A conversation can give you an answer that takes your own circumstances into account.
Usually 15–20 minutes. No pressure to apply.
