How to Become a Foster Parent
Become a Foster Carer in England
Making the decision to foster a child is a significant and personal choice. We understand that learning how to become a foster parent isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a process that requires time, reflection, and a clear understanding of how fostering will affect you and your family. Taking that first step can feel daunting, but knowing all the steps involved in becoming a foster carer can help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
This detailed guide is designed to provide detail on how to become a foster parent in England, and how we at Family Fostering Partners will support you through each stage from the initial inquiry to the joyous moment you become an approved foster carer.
Who Can Foster?
Anyone can foster, regardless of background, relationship status, or whether you rent or own your home. What matters most is having the dedication, compassion, and ability to provide a stable, loving environment for a child in need. To learn more about the requirements and qualities needed, visit our Who Can Foster page.
Why Foster?
Each year, tens of thousands of children across the UK require the care and support of foster families because they’re unable to live with their birth families. This creates an ongoing need for thousands of new foster carers annually. Becoming a foster carer gives you the chance to make a meaningful impact on a child’s life – a role that’s as rewarding as it is important.
How to Start Fostering: Everything You Need To Know
- The process from initial enquiry to approved carer usually takes around 3 to 5 months.
- Family Fostering Partners will be there with you every step.
- We have a live chat feature (at the bottom of the screen) should any questions arise as you learn how to start fostering.
We know that deciding to foster is a significant choice that takes time and careful thought. It’s natural to consider how fostering might affect you and your family before taking the next step. If you’re looking into how to start fostering in England, we’re here to provide the information and support you need to make an informed decision at your own pace.
The process typically takes between 3 and 5 months, depending on your circumstances. During this time, we’ll work closely with you to understand your family dynamics and help you consider the type of young person who would thrive in your care, based on your skills and experiences. You’ll have access to all the resources you need to feel confident in your new role and fully understand what fostering will mean for you and your family.
navigating the Fostering Process with Family Fostering Partners
If you’re completely new to fostering, you will not know all of the details of how to become a foster parent. Family Fostering Partners recognises understanding how to start fostering can look daunting, but we want you to know, we’re here with you every step of the way. It needn’t be intimidating. When broken down, it’s a matter of a few simple steps that will support you in reaching your goal.
As a leading independent fostering agency, we put people first, that’s both you as the foster parents, and the children in your care. We are dedicated to guiding prospective foster carers through every step of how to foster a child, ensuring you have a thorough understanding and are well prepared for the responsibilities ahead. You can take as much time as you need to make the right decision. We will never rush or pressure you, but when you do make that decision to foster with us, we promise you will be fully supported throughout the process.
How to Become a Foster Parent: The Process
You’re learning how to become a foster parent – that’s the first step. You’re expressing interest and you’re going to get answers. Whether you’re exploring types of fostering, such as long-term, short-term, or parent and child placements, or you’re ready to begin the application process, our website is tailored to help you feel ready and supported in this vital role. By understanding each step in depth, you’ll develop a clearer sense of what fostering entails and how to take the next steps toward becoming a foster carer.
1. Research the Fostering Process
If you’re thinking about how to become a foster parent in England, understanding the different types of foster placements is a great place to start. We’ve created dedicated pages that explain each form of foster care, including Long-Term Fostering, Short-Term placements, and more specialist options like Parent and Child Fostering. Learning about these options can help you figure out which type of fostering might suit you and your family best. And don’t worry – we’re always here to chat and offer advice to help you make the right choice.
2. Contact A Fostering Agency
Once you’ve done your research and feel ready to take the next step in learning how to start fostering, the first major move is to get in touch with us. We welcome applications from all over England, whether you’re in Hereford, Kidderminster, or elsewhere. You can reach us by filling out the contact form below, using our online chat feature to speak directly with a member of our team, or giving us a call on 0330 3430022. We’re here to help you take that important first step.
3. Initial Call
After you’ve reached out to us, we’ll arrange an initial phone call at a time that works best for you. This call is a chance for us to get to know you better and understand your reasons for wanting to foster. It’s also the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about fostering and what it involves.
4. Home Assessment Visit
After the initial call, if you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a foster carer, a member of the Family Fostering Partners team will visit your home. This visit helps us understand your suitability as a foster parent and ensures your home is a safe and welcoming environment for a child or young person. It’s also another opportunity for you to ask any questions about fostering or the steps involved in the process. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
5. Fostering Application
If both you and we at Family Fostering Partners decide to move forward, we’ll invite you to officially apply to become a foster carer. One of our dedicated assessing social workers will be there to guide you through every step of the application process, helping you complete all the necessary forms and checks with ease and support.
6. Initial Training
Participating in our “Skills to Foster” training is a crucial step in starting to foster. This essential program focuses on key areas like child development, safeguarding, and the support systems available to foster families, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the responsibilities of fostering. While this is one of the final steps before you begin, it’s just the start of your journey – we provide ongoing training and support to help you thrive as a foster carer. Find out more about the additional training opportunities we offer.
7. Fostering Panel
The penultimate step in the fostering application process is a review by a fostering panel. This panel carefully assesses your suitability and readiness to foster, providing recommendations for your approval.
8. Matching Process
Finally, you’re ready! You’ve learnt how to become a foster parent – and you’re officially one! Now we match you with a child or young person. Our aim is to find a placement where your unique interests, skills, and experience can make the biggest difference. By understanding you and your support network, we can create a thoughtful match, fostering a harmonious and supportive environment for both you and the child. As always, our team will be there to provide ongoing support throughout your fostering journey.
Become a Foster Carer with Family Fostering Partners
Family Fostering Partners is built around community and support. This means being there for you as a foster parent and for the child(ren) in your care. We’re here to support you as you navigate how to become a foster parent—from those early steps of learning what’s involved, to welcoming a child into your home, and embracing both the challenges and rewards of fostering. With everything from initial training to ongoing guidance, we’ll ensure you feel confident, valued, and fully prepared to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. Find out more about fostering with Family Fostering Partners.
Becoming a foster carer is a journey filled with learning, growth, and the opportunity to make a profound difference in a child’s life. If you would like to take the first step in becoming a foster parent you can get in touch by filling out the contact form.
FAQ’s: How to Start Fostering
Do Foster Parents Get Paid?
Yes, foster carers in England receive financial compensation known as a fostering allowance. This allowance is designed to cover the costs associated with caring for a child and to acknowledge the vital role that foster carers play. The amount varies based on factors such as location, the child’s needs, and the type of fostering arrangement. For instance, at Family Fostering Partners, the weekly allowance ranges from £460 to around £950 per child. Annually, this equates to approximately £23,920 to £49,400 per child. Additionally, these allowances are generally tax-free, making fostering a more financially viable option for many. Find out more about how much foster parents get paid, and make sure to take a look at our ‘Be There To Care scheme’.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Foster Carer?
The journey to become a foster carer usually takes around 3 to 5 months, depending on individual circumstances. During this time, you’ll follow a structured process to prepare for fostering, including attending training sessions, completing an assessment, and collaborating with us to ensure you’re ready to provide a safe and welcoming home. Although the timeline can vary, the priority is always on ensuring you feel confident, supported, and well-prepared every step of the way.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Start Fostering?
Great news! There are no specific qualifications needed when you choose to become a foster carer. Going through the process of learning how to become a foster parent is all you need! There are, however, a few criteria to meet. Check out the below question ‘Who can become a foster carer?’ for more info.
Who Can Become a Foster Carer?
Anyone can become a foster carer if they meet a few key criteria. These include being over 21 years old, having a stable home environment, a spare room for a child, and a clear background check with no relevant convictions. You don’t need to own your home, be in a relationship, or have prior parenting experience—what truly matters is your ability to provide a nurturing, supportive, and understanding environment for a young person in need. Find out more about who can foster.
Types of Fostering
Emergency Foster Placement
This type of placement involves being at hand to look after a child with very little notice.
Short-term Foster Placement
Short-term foster care provides a stable environment for children who may be going through a difficult time..
Parent and Child Fostering
It is a specialist placement where a parent (often a mother) joins the home of a foster parent..
As foster parents it is really important for us to give the child or children stability and support. And that’s what FFP does for us. It gives us stability, support, training, and we really feel like part of a family, which is brilliant for us. The other thing it gives us is support and backup if things did go wrong. That was one of the things we were really worried about when we started the fostering journey, but we feel supported every step of the way, and would recommend FFP very highly.
CJ, Foster Parent
