These are but a few common questions that we have been asked over the years. If there is anything that is not answered in the information supplied on this website please do not hesitate to contact us.
About Fostering
What is fostering?
Fostering means providing a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child or young person who can’t live with their birth family. It may be
short-term or
long-term, but every placement offers a child the chance to feel valued, supported, and cared for.
How is fostering different from adoption?
Fostering is usually a temporary arrangement, where the local authority remains legally responsible for the child.
Adoption is a permanent legal transfer of parental responsibility. Fostering focuses on stability and care during a time of change, while adoption provides a lifelong home.
Why do children come into foster care?
Children enter care for
many reasons — sometimes due to neglect, abuse, family illness, or breakdown. Whatever the reason, they all need a loving, consistent home and carers who can help them rebuild confidence and trust.
What types of fostering does Family Works offer?
We offer a variety of
placements including:
Short-term fostering – while future plans are made for the child
Long-term fostering – offering a stable home for several years
Emergency placements – short-notice care when needed urgently
Respite fostering – short breaks for children or fellow carers
Parent and child placements – supporting parents to care for their baby
We’ll help match you with the placement type that suits your lifestyle and experience.
Application Process
How do I apply to become a foster carer?
You can start by contacting our friendly team for an informal chat. If you decide to proceed, we’ll arrange a home visit, complete some background checks, and guide you through the assessment and training process.
What are the steps involved in becoming approved?The main steps include:
1. Initial enquiry and home visit
2. Formal application
3. Checks and references (DBS, medical, and personal references)
4. Skills to Foster training
5. Comprehensive home assessment
6. Approval by a fostering panel
The process typically takes around four to six months, depending on individual circumstances. Read more
here.
Will I receive training before fostering?
Yes — all new carers attend our Skills to Foster training course to prepare for the role. Once approved, you’ll have ongoing training and workshops to help you develop your skills and confidence.
Is there a cost to apply to foster?
No — there’s no cost to apply. All checks, training, and support are provided by Family Works Fostering free of charge.
What happens after I’m approved?
Once approved, we’ll work closely with you to find a placement that’s a good match for your family. You’ll receive full support from your supervising social worker, regular visits, and ongoing professional development.
Who Can Foster
Can I foster if I’m gay?
Yes — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. What matters most is your ability to offer a safe, loving, and inclusive home for a child.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes, renting is fine. You simply need a secure tenancy and permission from your landlord. As long as your home is safe and has enough space, renting won’t stop you from fostering.
Can I foster if I have pets?
Absolutely. Pets often have a positive impact on children in care. We’ll assess your pet’s behaviour as part of your application, but having animals rarely prevents anyone from fostering.
I’m retired – can I still foster?
Yes, many of our carers are retired. As long as you’re fit, healthy, and active, your life experience and time availability can make you an exceptional foster carer.
Can I still work and foster?
Yes — many foster carers continue to work. However, depending on the age and needs of the child, you may need to be available full-time. We’ll discuss the best type of fostering to fit your work schedule.
What is the minimum age to foster?
You must be at least 21 years old to become a foster carer in the UK. There’s no upper age limit — what matters most is your health, energy, and ability to meet a child’s needs.
Can foster children share a bedroom with other children?
Foster children must have their own bedrooms. The only time foster children are allowed to share a room is if they are same-sex siblings and if the carer is approved for this and has the space.
Do I need a spare bedroom to foster?
Yes, every foster child needs their own private bedroom where they can feel safe and settled. The room doesn’t need to be large, but it should be warm, clean, and suitable for a child.
We are a religious family; will this affect our application to foster?
It does not matter what your religion is and this should not affect your application to foster. Children should be placed with foster families that can meet their needs, including religious needs.
Can I foster if I’m single or don’t have children?
Yes. You don’t need to be married or have children of your own to foster. We welcome single carers — what matters is your ability to provide stability, patience, and care.
Finances and Support
Do foster carers get paid?
Yes. You’ll receive a weekly fostering
allowance to cover the child’s needs (food, clothing, travel, activities) and a professional fee to recognise your commitment. Family Works ensures payments are competitive and transparent.
Do fostering payments affect my taxes or benefits?
Foster carers in the UK benefit from special tax exemptions and relief through the Qualifying Care Relief scheme. Most carers pay little or no tax on their fostering income, but we recommend discussing your situation with a tax advisor.
What support will I receive from Family Works Fostering?
You’ll have access to:
1. 24/7 support from your supervising social worker
2. Ongoing training and development
3. Local support groups and events
4. Specialist therapeutic support (where required)
5. Peer-to-peer mentoring from experienced carers
We’ll be with you every step of the way — you’re never alone in fostering.
Will I be paid if I don’t have a child placed?
Typically, you receive payment only when a child is placed, but Family Works Fostering ensures regular contact and support during those periods. Some specialist schemes may include retainers.
Transferring from Another Agency
Can I transfer from another fostering agency or local authority?
Yes — experienced foster carers can transfer to Family Works. The process is straightforward, and we’ll guide you through every step to make it smooth and stress-free.
Can I transfer if I currently have a child in placement?
Yes, it’s possible. We’ll work closely with your current agency and the local authority to ensure that any move is in the child’s best interests and fully supported by all parties.
Will I need to go through another assessment?
Yes — a new Form F assessment is required so that we can approve you under Family Works Fostering. However, your existing experience helps make the process faster and easier.
Will my payments and support change?
They might. Every agency has its own allowance structure and support offer. At Family Works, we provide competitive rates, excellent training, and personalised 24/7 support, so many carers find our service more rewarding.
How long does the transfer process take?
Transfers usually take around 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your circumstances and current placements. We’ll work around your needs to ensure a smooth transition. Read more about
transferring to Family Works Fostering.
What is the difference between Family Works Fostering and Local Authority Fostering?
We will offer you higher levels of support with more frequent visits from your supervising social worker, high-quality training both face to face and E-learning, higher rates of allowances, and 24-hour telephone support from our social workers.
More questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.
