FAQs

FAQ’s

Family set up

- I’m single – I’m not married – I don’t have any children – does this matter? There’s no specific family set up required to become a foster carer. What we are looking for are committed, caring people to give children and young people a stable environment.

- My partner doesn’t live with me so should I include them on the application? If your partner stays over with you then you should include them on your application.

- How will fostering affect our own children? The decision to foster should be a family decision. As long as your own children are kept fully informed they are likely to find it a rewarding experience.

Home

- Do I have to own my own home? No you don’t have to own your home but it is important that your mortgage or rent payments are up to date.

- Do I need a spare bedroom? Yes it is essential that you have a spare bedroom available at the time of application for a foster child or young person.

Work

- Can I continue working? It is possible to continue working as long as you have flexibility in your workplace and can fulfil your role as a foster carer (i.e. school run and other appointments). The majority of carers do not work as fostering is a recognised profession. We wouldn’t expect you to stop working before becoming approved as a foster carer.

- As a foster carer would I be classed as self employed? Yes, foster carers are self employed and therefore responsible for tax and national insurance. The tax regime is very favourable on income received through fostering and carers pay very little or no tax at all. More detailed information is provided on this once carers are approved.

- What does the foster carer allowance and fee cover? The allowance covers living costs such as food, clothing, travel and household bills. The fee recognises the role of a foster carer as a profession.

Assessment and placements

- How long does the assessment process take? From three to six months – depending upon your availability but it is usually completed within four months.

- If I have a criminal conviction can I still apply? A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering. It all depends on the nature of the conviction. We would need to discuss this with you from the outset so it’s important to include any information on the application form.

- Can I choose the age and sex of the foster children? This will be discussed during the assessment process. We feel it’s important carers skills are correctly matched to the child’s needs. However, the more flexible you are around age range the more likely you’ll have continuous placements.

- What information will I have about a child before they are placed with me? Our placements team discusses all possible placements with you and it is your decision to be put forward for a placement. We liaise with the local authority to find out as much information as possible and pass this on to you. There are some circumstances where we may have little information i.e. emergency placements but we would endeavour to find out as much as possible.