How to Become a Foster Parent

Becoming a foster carer is a big decision, but it’s one that can make an incredible difference—not just for a child or young person, but for you too. The process might feel detailed, but every step is there to make sure both you and the child are ready for the journey ahead. If you're wondering how to become a foster parent, this guide has got you covered. And if you’re looking for more information, our website is packed with helpful resources, from tips on fostering to the support you’ll receive from us every step of the way at Family Fostering Partners.

 

How to Foster a Child: The Ins & Outs

Understanding Fostering

Fostering offers a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people when they cannot live with their birth family due to various reasons such as family breakdown, abuse, or ill health. Fostering is different from adoption; it is often a temporary arrangement, providing care and stability during a critical time in a child’s life. With fostering, the legal responsibility typically remains with the local authority and/or the birth parents.

 

Why Become a Foster Parent?

Choosing to become a foster carer is a decision rooted in the desire to make a real difference in a child’s life. Foster parents provide love, stability, and a safe space where children can heal, grow, and thrive. 

People choose fostering for many reasons—some want to extend their parenting journey, others have a spare room and a lot of love to give, and many are driven by a passion for giving back to their community. If you’re exploring how to become a foster carer, it’s important to know that your unique qualities and motivations can bring hope and change to a young person in need.

 

Becoming a Foster Carer: Key Points 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 foster a child.

​​We understand that deciding to foster isn’t something you do overnight. It’s a big decision that takes time, and it’s only natural to think carefully about how it might impact you and your family. If you're exploring how to become a foster parent, we’re here to give you the space and information you need to make the right decision. There’s no rush, and when you’re ready to start your fostering journey with us, you’ll have our full support every step of the way.

Depending on your circumstances, the process can take between 3 and 5 months. This time allows us to get to know you and your family, while helping you think about the type of young person who would thrive in your home based on your skills and experience. We’ll ensure you have all the information you need to feel confident in your new role and to understand what fostering will mean for your family.

 

Exactly How to Become a Foster Parent: The Process

Becoming a foster parent is a journey that combines thoughtful preparation with the potential for deeply rewarding experiences. From learning about the different types of fostering, such as long-term, short-term, or parent and child placements, to understanding the application process, each step is designed to help you feel confident and equipped for this important role. By exploring these elements in detail, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what fostering involves and how to navigate the path to becoming a foster carer.

 

1. Enquiry/ Initial Information

You can register your interest in becoming a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners by filling out our fostering application form, calling us today on 03300 948816, or dropping a quick message into the chat. We will talk to you about fostering and answer any immediate questions you may have. This call will help you decide whether you would like to move through to the next stage.

 

2. Initial Home Visit

One of our link workers will arrange a visit to your home to provide more detailed information about fostering and how Family Fostering Partners can support you. During this visit, we’ll discuss how to become a foster parent, explain how we work, and outline the comprehensive support we offer our foster parents.

If, after the visit, both you and our team feel ready to move forward, we’ll invite you to complete an application form. Once we receive it, the assessment process begins, and you’ll be assigned an assessor to guide you through the next steps.

 

3. Fostering Assessment

A link worker from Family Fostering Partners will visit your home over a period of between 8 to 10 weeks to collect information about you and your family, and to learn about any skills and experience you have which will help you with fostering. This information will be collated into a report called a Form F. For more information about what a fostering assessment involves, visit our assessment page. 

 

4. Skills to Foster Training

During your Fostering Assessment, you’ll be invited to attend a three-day Skills to Foster course, which is an essential step in learning how to foster a child. Attendance is mandatory, as it offers valuable insights into fostering and the responsibilities of being a foster parent.

If you’re new to training events or feel unsure about learning in a group setting, don’t worry—we’ll do everything we can to help you feel at ease. The sessions are designed to be fun and interactive, and we never put anyone on the spot or make them feel uncomfortable.

 

5. Fostering Panel

Once your assessment is completed and your Form F written, the report will be presented to the Family Fostering Partners Foster Panel – a group of people whose role is to ensure that your preparation has been thorough and comprehensive. You will be invited to attend the Fostering Panel, accompanied by your Supervising Social Worker from the agency. The panel will make a recommendation on your suitability to our Agency Decision Maker, who will make the final decision on whether you can be approved as a foster carer.

 

6. You Become an Approved Foster Parent

The final step in how to foster a child - you’re approved! You will begin your career as a foster carer for Family Fostering Partners, and we will use the information gained during your assessment to match your skills and experience with a child/young person who needs a safe and loving home.

 

Clued Up on How to Become a Foster Carer: Let's Get Started 

Family Fostering Partners focus on community and support. That means supporting both you as a foster parent, as well as the child(ren) in your care. It means supporting you as you learn how to become a foster parent - right through to welcoming a child into your home and navigating the challenges and rewards of fostering. From initial training to ongoing guidance, we’re here every step of the way to ensure you feel confident, valued, and fully prepared to make a difference in a child’s life. Find out more about why you should foster with Family Fostering Partners.

Becoming a foster parent 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 carer you can get in touch by filling out the contact form below.

 

 

FAQ’s Surrounding How to Become a Foster Parent

Who Can Become a Foster Parent?

Essentially, anyone can become a foster carer as long as they meet a small number of criteria. These include being over the age of 21, having a stable home environment, a spare room for a child, and no relevant convictions. You don’t need to own your home, be in a relationship, or have previous parenting experience—what matters most is your ability to provide care, understanding, and support to a young person in need. Learn more about who can foster.

 

How Long Does it Take to Become a Foster Parent?

The process of becoming a foster parent typically takes between 3 to 5 months, depending on your circumstances. During this time, you’ll complete a series of steps designed to prepare you for fostering, including attending training, undergoing an assessment, and working closely with a fostering service to ensure you’re ready to welcome a child into your home. While the timeline may vary, the focus is always on making sure you feel confident and fully supported throughout the journey. Find out more about how long it takes to become a foster carer.

 

Do Foster Parents Get Paid?

Yes, foster parents receive financial compensation to help cover the costs of caring for a child, including allowances for day-to-day expenses, birthdays, holidays, and more. In Wales, fostering is recognised as a professional role, with payments varying based on the child’s age and needs. Additional tax exemptions and relief schemes are also available. For detailed information, visit our fostering payments page.