Are you looking for helpful information about fostering children? It could be that you’re interested but unsure where – or even if – to start. Let’s face it, the thought of becoming a foster carer can seem daunting.

Choosing to foster a child is a big step to take, so you need to prepare in the right way. The more facts you’re armed with, the easier you will find it to make an informed decision about whether it’s for you.

Guide to Fostering Children

Use the links in this 7-part guide to get a better understanding of the practice and process of fostering children.

• Part 1 – The fostering landscape

  The term ‘fostering landscape’ refers to the setting, in which foster care exists. Background information that’s useful if you’re keen to foster children. Find out what the current landscape looks like.

• Part 2 – Requirements to Foster

  Have you got any niggling doubts about whether you could foster? Maybe you think you won’t ‘fit the bill’ or that some area of your background might exclude you. Learn more about the requirements.

• Part 3 – How to Become a Foster Carer

  Before you make a firm enquiry about becoming a foster carer, you might want to know how the process works. Find out what to expect, from your initial enquiry through to approval as a foster carer.

• Part 4 – Fostering a Child – The Process

  The process of fostering varies, according to which agency you work with. This part of the guide explains what happens between being approved as a foster carer and welcoming your first child.

• Part 5 – Fostering Regulations

  Thinking seriously about fostering children? If you are, you might have questions about issues such as the fostering regulations. Here are some of the main points foster carers need to know.

• Part 6 – Foster Care Payments

  If you’re considering the idea of fostering, what about the small matter of foster care payments? You will want an idea of the pay and allowances you’ll receive before you make a decision.

• Part 7 – Fostering Children FAQ

  Still unsure about something? Check our frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t featured, just ask us, and we’ll answer it.

Your Guide to Fostering Resources

Andy Loverock has spent over 2 decades working as a qualified nurse (RMN). He’s also been fostering children since 2011. His work as a foster carer inspired him to create Foster Care Matters – a resource hub for foster carers.

Talk with Andy directly on Twitter or visit our Facebook Page.

Articles about Fostering Children

Catch up with all the latest gossip on our fostering blog. You’ll find articles listed under the following categories:

• Fostering Process
• Fostering Statistics
• Foster Care News
• Fostering Legislation
• Foster Caring
• Fostering Services

Foster Care Basics

If you’re new to fostering, you’re bound to have some unanswered questions. If so, this 6-part Guide to Foster Care will help you understand how the service works. It covers these topics:

• What is Foster Care
• Types of Foster Care
• Foster Care System
• Fostering Agencies
• Children in Foster Care
• Foster Care FAQ

If you found this guide to fostering helpful, share it with people you know…