Consistently Outstanding since 2013

How to become a foster parent

Find out how to become a foster parent with Fostering People and together we can change lives.

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Becoming a foster parent is one of the most rewarding careers available.

You get to make a difference to a child’s life and provide something that most of us have taken for granted – a safe, supportive and caring family environment, through which children can learn, grow and develop.

The journey to becoming a foster parent can take between 4-6 months. This may seem like a long time but it’s essential you’ve got all the information you need for such a life-changing decision. We’ll support you every step of the way, from your first enquiry right through to being approved at fostering panel.

Thinking about fostering?

Download our Complete Guide to the Fostering Process to discover everything you need to know.

new foster parent with foster children

Become a foster parent with Fostering People

At Fostering People, we believe in the power of community. Helping foster children heal from their past and make positive strides towards their future can’t be done alone.

That’s why over 20+ years, we’ve built strong, local networks of support for all of our foster parents to tap into, and have adopted a therapeutic approach to fostering. So many people choose us because we are there 24/7, we work alongside you and we do everything in our power to make sure we achieve the best outcomes for our children.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a foster parent paid?

Our foster carers do a fantastic job, which is why we reward them for their hard work with generous fostering payments. The exact amount you’ll receive will vary depending on the type of placement and the individual needs of the child. On average, our carers receive over £443 per week per child for a child over the age of 5. Visit our fostering allowances page to find out more.

What checks are carried out as part of the application?

To help find out whether fostering is right for you, we’ll carry out a number of checks on you and your home. These include: Police checks, a standard safety check on your home, employment references, school references, financial stability checks, health checks and personal references.  You can read more about each check on our checks and references page.

Can I still go out to work if I become a foster parent?

Yes, you can! Although many foster parents prefer not to. We offer generous fostering allowances so that the main foster parent doesn’t have to work. This means you can be constantly available for the child in your care, and able to attend meetings and continue training. Other foster parents prefer to work part-time and make themselves available at short notice, such as if their child falls ill at school. We have foster parents who continue to work and others who’d rather stay at home. We’ll look at this with you and consider your individual circumstances.

How long does the fostering application take?

The length of the application process can vary from carer to carer. On average, it takes around 4 - 6 months to complete your assessment and be approved as a foster carer. Visit our How to become a foster parent page to find out more about what’s involved.

Does it cost me money to apply?

In most cases no, it doesn't as we cover most costs. There are a few exceptions, such as if you've lived abroad, you'll need to apply for a criminal record check in that county and will be liable for the cost of that check, which we will refund if you are approved. Some foster parents need to make small changes to there home to meet the health and safety standards and you will need to cover the cost of that too. All homes need to have a gas certificate to ensure a child will be safe and the cost of this is covered by the applicant.

Do foster parents receive child benefits?

Foster parents do not receive the child benefit for a foster child in your care because they are paid a fostering allowance instead. Fostering will not affect the child benefit of any birth children or adoptive children in your family.

Can I apply to be a foster parent online?

Yes you can. You can enquire with us here. Following a home visit, you can complete your application online securely on our website and we will give you the link to enable you do do this.

Take your first step to becoming a foster parent today

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent and would like to learn more, then we’d love to hear from you.

Simply fill in the form below and one of our friendly team will be in touch.

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Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Call us on 0800 077 8159

Suite D, The Point,
Welbeck Road, West Bridgford,
Nottingham, NG2 7QW