Fostering in South Wales – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

• Family Fostering Partners are an independent fostering agency operating in Wales and into the United Kingdom that puts foster children’s needs at the heart of everything they do
• Our main goal as a Tier 1 ranked agency is to provide a healthy, secure home for children across South Wales, allowing them to develop and grow as any child should
• To aid you on your fostering journey, we have collated some of our frequently asked questions and answers to ease any queries or stresses you may have

Family Fostering Partners are a leading, independent fostering agency in South Wales and into the United Kingdom, carrying with us a Welsh Tier 1 ranking. Our organisation orbits around our primary focus – ensuring all children's healthy growth and development in a safe and stable environment. We work across South Wales, (as well as Central) with an excellent team of foster carers, link workers and social workers who put the child's needs at the heart of everything they do.

We understand that fostering is a huge and often complicated decision, which is why we aim to answer any questions you may have. To help aid your decision, we have gathered some of our most frequently asked questions and formulated answers, which we hope will make everything more straightforward for you!

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

The fostering process generally can take anywhere between 3 and 6 months, depending on each prospective carer. This application process may seem long, but it's essential to make sure you're fit for the role so that we can carefully match a child to your family life, with safeguarding always remaining at the forefront of what we do!

Will I be paid?

Yes, as a foster parent, you are paid a fostering allowance for every child you bring into your care in order to support them and yourself. This allowance depends on certain factors, such as the child's age, the degree of care needed to look after them, and the living situation.

Can I transfer from another agency to Family Fostering Partners?

Of course! Think of it the same way as moving from one job to another – the freedom to move is there, but you will need to be rechecked and assessed by the new agency. This approval process is often faster, as you already have experience as a foster carer!

Do I need qualifications to foster?

When fostering a child, there are no formal qualifications or skills required. Instead, Family Fostering Partners will provide you with well-rounded and ongoing training and support throughout the entire process, ensuring you feel fit and ready for the role. However, we also ask of you certain qualities that formulate the recipe for successful fostering – patience, energy and dedication. After all, you play an integral role in a child’s life and development by becoming a foster carer.

What if I am a single parent?

Single or married, as long as you have the time, space and ability to offer a secure and safe home and good quality care to a child, you are eligible to foster. However, we do recommend that fostering isn't for those who work full time, only as caring for young people can often be equivalent to a full-time job!

Does sexual orientation matter?

Of course not! At Family Fostering Partners, we encourage anyone with an interest in fostering to apply! At the end of the day, no matter your sexual orientation or how you identify, everyone is capable of loving and creating a happy and healthy home environment!

What prerequisites are needed?

We'd say the most essential requirement is a spare bedroom, as this provides a sense of privacy and independence to allow children and young people to grow and develop in a bedroom to call their own. Other than this, you need the patience and dedication to create a safe and secure home to allow foster children the opportunity to live and love as all children should.

For more information, or if you can't find the answer to your question, please get in contact with us here, and our team of friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have. Our goal is to make your fostering experience feel as natural and easy as possible, so no question to us will go unanswered.