Frequently asked questions about fostering

Firstly, please contact us via our enquiry form to arrange a discussion with one of the team:

Fostering and adoption enquiry form

Home visit

After we have an initial discussion, we will ask to visit you at home to have a more in-depth discussion about becoming a foster carer.

Mandatory training

You will then need to attend mandatory training (normally at evenings and/or a weekend) before an assessor is allocated to work with you.

Fostering assessment

The fostering assessment is necessarily in-depth and can take around six months or so to complete. After this, a decision will be made as to whether you will become registered as a foster carer.

After you are registered, it is likely that a child or children will be matched to you quickly. We would anticipate that this would be quicker compared to agencies in the independent and voluntary sector.

Yes! Find out more about transferring from another fostering agency.

Of course! Many of our foster carers have other jobs.

As long as you’re able to provide high quality care to a child, we will support you. Foster carers are expected to attend all formal meetings regarding a child placed with them and to utilise opportunities for supervision, support, learning and development.

The legal age for fostering and adoption begins at 21 years. There is no upper age limit for fostering provided you are fit, active and healthy!

Children need a loving family environment and a bedroom of their own. This can be provided in any permanent housing situation.

We will carry out a check under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme and take account of the reasons and context of any previous convictions.

Any convictions for violent offences or offences against vulnerable children or adults will prevent you from fostering.