Becoming a Foster Carer
New to Fostering
What is Fostering?
Foster care is when a child can no longer live with their own family, so is placed into the care of foster carers. The foster carer, or foster parent’s, job is to provide a safe, secure environment for the foster child on either a temporary or more permanent basis. In the United Kingdom, there are about 78,000 children who have been taken into care, and more than 60% of the time, these children are taken into care because of abuse or neglect.
Why Foster?
All children deserve a safe place to live – and the demand for foster carers to support the children in the care system is always high. Are you passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives? Foster care may be the right path for you. And by choosing Tutis Foster Care as your fostering agency, you’ll be in safe hands – with our team guiding you every step of the way. Allow us to let you become the best foster carer you can be.
Do you have experience or interest in providing a family life for children? Or are you wondering how to get into foster care? Contact Tutis Foster Care to discuss the assessment process today.
What is the difference between fostering and adoption?
Often, people query the difference between fostering and adoption. Adoption refers to a long-term permanent solution where, as the parents, you have full legal responsibility of the child. However, in foster care, this is usually more of a temporary measure – and the local authority and child’s birth parents still have legal responsibility for the child.
Independent fostering agency or local authority?
Foster carers are registered with either an approved independent fostering agency, like us here at Tutis Foster Care, or by a local authority. Most local authorities in England have their own foster carers, but over the last ten years, increasingly more foster children are looked after by carers registered with fostering agencies. This year, nearly half of all new foster placements will be made with fostering agencies.
Most new carers choose to join private independent agencies, like Tutis Foster Care, rather than a local authority – this is often due to the extensive fostering training and extra support that’s provided. By choosing an independent fostering agency, you will receive 24-hour support any day of the year from our friendly and expert team.
Types of Foster Care
There are various types of foster care available for carers. It may be that a placement begins on an emergency fostering placement, but then moves into a temporary response. Some of the different types of fostering include:
- Short term fostering
- Long term fostering
- Emergency foster care
- Therapeutic foster care
- Parent and Child Arrangements
- UASC Placements
- Staying Put Arrangements
To learn more, find out about all the different types of foster care now.
Below is a Comprehensive, step by step guide through the fostering process, hopefully this will help you to understand How to become a Foster Parent and make a comprehensive determination as to whether fostering is the right path for you.
Step 1 - Understanding the Requirements for Fostering
It is not unusual for people considering fostering to experience apprehension about expressing their interest. While this is largely due to harmful misconceptions, there are certain foster parent requirements that must always be adhered to.
What disqualifies you from being a foster parent in the UK?
As a result of these requirements, below are some things that would automatically lead to rejection from any fostering agency in the UK, or that may hinder the fostering process in some capacity:
1. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
Of course, this will usually be revealed in the DBS check, but it’s important to note that this does not mean you cannot foster a child with a criminal record. If the incident took place decades ago and there is sufficient evidence that you’ve changed as a person, most fostering agencies will consider these factors and refrain from rejecting you outright. In any case, remember to always be honest with your assessing social worker, as by hiding anything that may be deemed important, you will undoubtedly come across as untrustworthy.
2. A LACK OF A SPARE BEDROOM
One crucial requirement is the availability of a spare bedroom. Foster children must have their own separate room and cannot share accommodations with your own children or yourself. Unfortunately, not having a spare bedroom is an immediate no from all fostering agencies.
3. NOT BEING A UK RESIDENT
Fostering agencies value diversity and actively encourage individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations and religious beliefs. However, you cannot foster if you’re not a UK resident or have permanent leave to remain in the UK. This requirement also extends to your partner, should you have one.
4. BEING UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE
To be a foster carer, you are required to be above the age of 21, so if you are over 18 and match all other criteria, you will have to wait a few more years before applying to become a foster parent.
Step 2 - Deciding What kind of Fostering is Right for you and your Family
It is important to understand that there are many different types of Foster Care options. Different Agencies provide different fostering arrangements that are tailored to the needs of the local area and placing authorities. There are many factors to consider when deciding what type of fostering is right for you, this includes skills, family dynamics and lifestyle.
Types of foster care
There are various types of foster care available for carers. It may be that a placement begins on an emergency fostering placement, but then moves into a temporary response. Some of the different types of fostering include:
- Short term fostering
- Long term fostering
- Emergency foster care
- Therapeutic foster care
- Parent and Child Arrangement
- Respite Placements
To learn more, find out about all the different types of foster care now.
Step 3 - Committing to the Time Frame
Below is a complete breakdown of the registration process, including how long each step is expected to take.
1. Initial enquiry – 24 hours.
This is the earliest stage in the fostering process, when you inform a fostering agency of your intention to foster. You should hear back from them within 24 hours.
2. Initial visits – 48 hours.
After the initial enquiry, an assessing social worker should then contact you within 48 hours to arrange a home visit. Details of the Initial Visit can be found here
3. DBS check – Approximately 8 weeks.
Regardless of agency, all foster carers are required to undertake a DBS check. These check for any convictions a person may have, including whether they are barred from working with children. Bear in mind that anyone in your household over 18 will also need to undergo a DBS check.
4. Fostering medical – 1 to 6 months.
One of the most common fostering requirements is that all foster parents are both physically and mentally healthy. This is why you will also have to undertake a medical assessment. The time this takes to complete will depend on your availability as well as the availability of your GP.
5. Assessment – 3 to 6 months.
Ordinarily, the assessing social worker you meet during your initial visit will maintain close contact with you throughout your fostering assessment. You should expect between 8 to 10 visits, as they get to know your home environment and assist you with the necessary paperwork.
6. Fostering pre-approval training – to be completed prior to Approval
Different agencies offer different fostering training courses that potential carers are required to attend. These normally take place during the fostering assessment and take no more than a few days to complete.
7. Checks and references – 3 to 6 months.
Most fostering agencies will also ask you to fill out a ‘Reference and Chronology’ form. These tend to be comprehensive, demanding contact details of any references that may help form a bigger picture of your character.
8. Fostering panel – 1 day.
Once all previous steps have been completed, you will then be invited to attend your Fostering Panel. This is where a final decision is made about your readiness to become a foster carer.
Step 4 - Preparing your home & Family for Fostering
To ensure a positive experience at home for both you and the foster child, it is critical to create a nurturing and supportive environment. By taking proactive steps to prepare your home and involving your family members throughout this process, you can establish a stable foundation for welcoming a new child into your care. Here are some simple, yet effective measures you can implement:
1. MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE AND ACCOMMODATING FOR A FOSTER CHILD
Consider important factors including childproofing, providing a comfortable bedroom, and keeping essential supplies readily available. To ensure compliance with home requirements and safety standards, be sure to consult the guidelines provided by your fostering agency.
2. ESTABLISH A SENSE OF ROUTINE AND SECURITY
Meeting the emotional and psychological needs of the child or young person in your care is just as important as tending to their physical well-being. Adapt your home environment accordingly to cater to their emotional needs.
3. COMMUNICATE OPENLY WITH YOUR FAMILY
Preparing your home for foster care will also mean prepping your family for any changes in household dynamics and encouraging their active participation. With that in mind, remember to also address their concerns and questions.
Step 5 - Your First Fostering Placement
The last step in becoming a foster parent is the final waiting period, as before welcoming a child into your home, your fostering agency will have to match you with a child.
The foster care placement process is a careful matching and placement procedure that is designed to ensure all foster children are paired with suitable foster families. This process relies on a close collaboration between fostering agencies, local authority social workers, and the potential foster carer. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the foster care placement process.
INITIAL REFERRAL
The fostering agency receives the child’s referral from the Local Authority. This is then reviewed, and Tutis Foster Care will begin evaluating all available foster carers and determine if any of them would be a good match for the child. If a match is not found, the referral is handed back to the Local Authority.
MATCH FOUND
As soon as a match is found, the carer is contacted and provided with a brief overview of the referral. This includes the child’s gender, age and any specialist care requirements. It also includes information regarding the child’s behaviour, physical health and emotional state. Foster carers will then have time to discuss this with their supervising social worker and decide if they feel they're a suitable match.
CARER IS FOUND TO BE SUITABLE
If the foster carer is deemed suitable for the child, the fostering agency will then communicate their interest to the Local Authority. This is a great time to request additional details about the child’s care plan or any other specific information you need.
LOCAL AUTHORITY REVIEW
Once all questions have been addressed, foster carers are finally formally offered a referral by the fostering agency. The Local Authority then reviews the offer, and if they agree that the foster carer is suitable, then they will notify the fostering agency of their acceptance.
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Foster Carer........
Becoming a foster carer is an ongoing journey, a journey that requires continuous learning and support. Consequently, it’s important to make the most of any support services provided by your fostering agency. This may include connecting with fellow foster carers, attending support groups and online communities, and even one-on-one professional counselling.
If you are thinking about 
fostering in the UK, you should also bear in mind the legal and administrative consequences and make sure you’re prepared to keep everything organised. Stay on top of all paperwork and documentation, including contact details for your chosen agency, social workers and legal professionals.
By actively seeking support and utilising the available resources, foster carers can enhance their skills and well-being, and ensure they are providing the best possible care.
