What is fostering?

Sometimes, certain children and young people need a safe, stable and loving home environment, and need to stay temporarily with a family that’s not their own. There can be many reasons for this. Their parents might need a little time and space to sort out their problems. Or the children themselves need help to get through a difficult period in their lives.

Often children will return home once the problems that caused them to come into foster care have been resolved and it is clear that their parents are able to look after them safely.

Others may stay in long-term foster care, some may be adopted, and others will move on to live independently. The different types of fostering are explored in more depth in our section on different types of fostering.

By committing their time and their love, carers give children – and often whole families – the time and the space to rebuild their lives.

Find out what our fostering service wants to achieve from our foster carers in our fostering statement of purpose.

Who’s the ideal foster parent?

Anyone who can give a child or young person love, security and stability. Our foster carers come from all walks of life, do different jobs, and have many different backgrounds. But the willingness to show love is what counts first and foremost.

“Don’t put barriers in your own way. If you want to foster, you CAN foster!”

Would I make a good foster carer?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already thinking about it! So have a look at our myth-busting page if you want a bit more reassurance.

How long do foster children stay with their foster parents?

It depends on all sorts of things. There are several different types of fostering for the simple reason that different children need different levels of support. Some might need a foster family for a couple of years. Others might only need the occasional weekend. It all depends on the child – and you, as a foster parent.

What’s the point of being a foster carer?

Good question! Put simply, people like you become foster carers because they want to provide a safe and secure home to a child or young person, for a period of time.

But people become foster carers for all sorts of reasons. Often, you’ll have been thinking about it for ages, and then, all of a sudden, you have a lightbulb moment.

If you’re that sort of person, becoming a foster carer can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. And although nobody becomes a foster carer for the money, the fact is that the financial rewards make it extra worthwhile.

It’s a huge commitment… What support will I get?

Becoming a foster carer is a big decision, and not one to take lightly. That’s why the application process is so thorough – you need to be 100% ready to commit. And that’s why we’ll give you all the fostering support and training you need. We’re on your side, every step of the way.

What about my existing family?

It’s really important that your whole family and household are ready to commit. So we’ll make sure we involve everyone in the decision when you apply, and when our social workers visit you at home. Fostering has to work for everyone, after all.

What if I don’t have a huge house?

No problem at all. Just go to our myth-busting page to put your mind at rest.

We’re not a ‘normal’ family… Can we still foster?

Of course! There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ anyway, and we welcome foster carers from all walks of life with open arms. The only thing we care about is whether YOU care!

But it’s expensive to look after a child…

It certainly can be, and we absolutely recognise this. That’s why we’re keen to support you financially. In fact, as well as a ‘salary’ that’s very competitive with the private sector, we also provide generous allowances for things like birthdays and Christmas, as well as for any specialist equipment.

How long do I have to commit for?

Completely up to you. There are several different types of fostering depending upon the needs of the children who need fostering. Some foster carers might look after a child for a weekend or two every month, whilst others foster for several years. We’ll work with you to get it right for you and your family.

How long does the whole fostering process take?

From the moment you apply or call us on 01743 253797, you’re typically looking at between four and six months. We appreciate that might seem like a long time, but that does include lots of training to get you ready to go once your application is approved. Find out more about the fostering process.

Is fostering the same as adoption?

No. Fostering is a way of providing family life for someone else’s child, when they are unable to live in their birth family. The expectation is that most will hopefully return home to their families.

In the vast majority of cases children in foster care will have regular contact with their families and their parents will continue to have responsibilities towards them throughout the time they are in foster care. They will often continue to attend their old schools and maintain contact with their friends.

Adoption is a legal process, with a court permanently transferring all parental rights and responsibilities for the child to their new family.
Unlike adoption, a fostered child remains the legal responsibility of the local authority and/or their birth parents.