Fostering Children

How much do you know about the process?

Introduction for Prospective Carers

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 know, the more comfortable you will find it to make an informed decision about whether fostering is for you.
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Guide to Fostering Children

Use this guide to get a better understanding of the practice and process of fostering children.

The Fostering Landscape

Part 1 - 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.

Requirements to Foster

Part 2 - 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 about the requirements.

How to Become a Foster Carer

Part 3 - Before you make a firm enquiry about becoming a foster carer, you need to know how the process works. Find out what to expect, from your initial enquiry through to approval as a foster carer.

Fostering a Child - The Process

Part 4 - 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.

Fostering Regulations

Part 5 – 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.

Foster Care Payments

Part 6 – 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.

Fostering Children FAQ

Part 7 – Still unsure about something? Check our frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t featured, just ask us, and we’ll answer it.

Caring for Fostered Children

Fostering children can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Providing a child with a safe, loving environment is one of the most generous gifts you can give and making yourself available to any child you care for is vital.
Many fostered children have more emotional and behavioural needs than the general population of children, and their difficulties often start before they become looked after. Research has shown that by providing a child with stability, security, and a good relationship, you can help them to develop and mature emotionally.
Become part of a growing fostering community and enjoy access to resources that will assist you with your involvement in fostering children.
Prefer to read this guide offline? Grab a copy of the PDF
Guide to Fostering Children
How Foster Care Works
This Guide to Foster Care looks at how the service works and covers these topics:
Articles about Fostering
Visit our fostering blog to find articles under these main categories:

We Welcome Feedback

If you’ve read this guide to foster care basics, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback (good or bad) informs the way we try to improve the site.
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