Foster Parents and Foster Carers — Information and Support

Fostering gives a child or young person a safe, stable home when they cannot live with their birth family. Foster parents are also called foster carers. A placement may be brief or last for years, depending on the child's care plan.

Fostering is different from adoption. Decisions about the child's care and contact with their family are made through the responsible services and legal arrangements.

Start with an information enquiry to a council or approved fostering service, and ask what the role involves before applying. Fostering can be rewarding, but it is a serious commitment: children need patience, reliable care and adults who can work with social workers, schools and their family.

You do not have to own your home. A spare bedroom is usually needed. Eligibility, age requirements and assessment arrangements vary between UK nations and services, and your circumstances and ability to meet a child's needs will be assessed individually.

Ask your service about emergency placements, short-term care, long-term care, short breaks and caring for brothers and sisters together. Some services offer specialist arrangements, including parent-and-child placements.

The names, availability and approval requirements vary. The right arrangement must meet the child's needs as well as your household's ability to provide care.

Expect preparation and training, conversations with a social worker, references, health information, home checks and safeguarding checks for relevant members of your household. A panel generally makes a recommendation before the service makes its decision.

Assessment takes time. An enquiry does not guarantee approval or a placement.

Ask for a written explanation of allowances, any fees and what costs they cover. Check arrangements for travel, clothing, equipment, holidays and any additional needs. Amounts depend on your service and circumstances.

Ask a qualified adviser about tax and benefits before making financial commitments. Do not assume every payment is tax-free or that your benefits will stay the same.

Contact your supervising social worker if you need help with a placement, training, stress or practical problems. Ask your fostering service about peer support, specialist help and its out-of-hours contact arrangements. Raise concerns early rather than struggling alone.

If you face a complaint or allegation, ask for the written procedure and get independent advice.

Listen to the child, respect their identity and culture, and follow the agreed care plan. Protect their privacy: check your service's rules before sharing photographs or personal details online.

Ask for help with education, emotional wellbeing, disability or additional needs. Foster care should give children security and a voice in decisions affecting them.

Our information and practical letter support are free, with no hidden costs. We can help you put questions or concerns into clear words. Please do not send confidential details that identify a child.

We do not assess or approve foster carers, match children to families or arrange placements. Contact the responsible fostering service for individual advice.