How to Become a Foster Carer

At least 75% of all children that have been removed from their families have been placed in foster homes. However, that still leaves a lot of children in care who are not being fostered. Foster carers provide their foster children with a home and a stable environment to allow them to participate fully in their lives. Every child deserves a good home and if you are interested in becoming a foster carer, we provide you with all the information you need to make a decision and to apply.

What is a Foster Carer?

A foster carer raises a foster child as if that person is a part of their family. Foster caring comes with some challenges. However, it is very rewarding to play a key role in a child’s life and provide them with all the advantages of a family and home. Foster children can be vulnerable due to their past circumstances and deserve the best care you can give them.

Who is Eligible to Become a Foster Carer?

There are certain set requirements to becoming a foster carer. Firstly, you must be a UK resident. It is also acceptable to have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This is necessary as looking after a child can be a full-time job.

The law requires you to be 18 years or older. However, most fostering agencies will expect you to be at least 21 years old. The duration of foster care depends on the circumstances of the children placed with you. Short-term foster care can be for one night in an emergency, or for a few months while the courts consider the child’s case. Long-term foster care can last until the foster child reaches adulthood.

You must have a spare bedroom for the foster child. Because they have been through challenging times, they need to be able to retreat to their rooms when they feel overwhelmed or just want to be alone. If you foster siblings, it may be possible for them to share a room, depending on their ages. Otherwise, each child will need their own room.

The Process to Become a Foster Carer

The process of becoming a foster carer starts with finding a fostering agency near me and contacting them. You will need to complete an online form. The agency will either visit you at home or call you in for an information session and to determine if you meet all the requirements. Once your suitability has been established and you have decided that you do, indeed, want to foster, you will have to complete an application form.

After a formal application has been made, background checks will be conducted. Additionally, you will have visits from social workers and home checks. If you are accepted as a foster carer, you will have to undergo training to acquire the knowledge and skills you need. An assessment report will follow, and this will be assessed by an independent panel. You will have to be present at this meeting. Finally, you will be matched with a foster child.

Fostering Allowance

You will be paid a weekly fostering allowance. The amount differs based on aspects such as the age of the child, your area, the agency, and having a foster child with special needs. You will have to register as self-employed, but you will receive a tax exemption for the amount of £18,140.

Fostering is an enriching experience and will give a child the chance they need in life.