Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering
Find answers to the most common questions about becoming a foster carer.
Thinking about becoming a foster carer? We know you’ll have lots of questions. Whether you’re wondering if you’re eligible to foster, how much foster carers receive, or what support is available, you’ll find answers below.
Possibly. Many foster carers combine fostering with work, depending on the age and needs of the child. Foster carers need to be available for appointments, meetings, training and supporting children day-to-day. We’ll discuss your work arrangements during the assessment process to see what might be possible.
Yes. You don’t need to be married or in a relationship to become a foster carer. Many successful foster carers are single. What matters most is your ability to provide a stable, caring home and having a good support network around you.
Yes. Many foster carers have children of their own, and fostering can be a positive experience for the whole family.
If you have children, we’ll involve them in the assessment process and talk about how fostering may affect family life. We also provide support for the children of foster carers, including dedicated support workers and opportunities to meet other children from fostering families.
Absolutely. We welcome applications from LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. What matters is your ability to provide a safe, loving and supportive home for a child.
Possibly. A criminal record does not automatically rule you out. We’ll discuss any convictions openly during the assessment process. Certain offences involving children or serious sexual offences would prevent approval.
Yes. You do not need to own your home to foster. If you rent, you’ll need permission from your landlord and a spare bedroom for a child or young person.
Usually, yes. Many foster carers have pets, and animals can often help children feel more relaxed and settled. We’ll simply consider how your pets fit into your household during the assessment.
Yes. Having a disability, long-term health condition, or taking prescribed medication does not automatically prevent you from fostering. Each application is considered individually as part of the assessment process.
Yes. Foster children need their own space where they can feel safe, secure and settled, so you’ll usually need a spare bedroom to become a foster carer.
Yes. You don’t need parenting experience to foster. Experience gained through work, volunteering or family life can be helpful, but we’ll provide all the training and support you need.
No. You do not need to be a British citizen. You must be living permanently in the UK and able to provide a safe, stable and supportive home.
Yes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds, identities and family structures.
Yes. Foster carers receive a weekly fostering fee and allowances to help cover the costs of caring for a child, as well as additional support for things like birthdays, holidays and school-related expenses.
No. You don’t need to be financially well-off. We carry out a financial assessment to ensure your household is financially stable, and foster carers receive financial support to cover the costs of caring for children.
The allowance helps cover day-to-day expenses such as food, clothing, travel, activities and personal care items. Additional support may also be available for birthdays, holidays, school uniforms and special occasions.
Every application is different, but most assessments take several months to complete. This allows time for training, checks, references and assessment visits.
We provide extensive training before and after approval, including topics such as attachment, trauma, therapeutic parenting, safeguarding and child development. There are also opportunities to gain recognised qualifications.
The fostering panel reviews your assessment and considers whether to recommend you for approval. Your social worker will support you throughout the process.
Children come into care for many different reasons, including family illness, relationship breakdown, mental health difficulties, neglect or situations where they are no longer safe at home.
There are several different types of fostering, including:
- Short-term fostering
- Long-term fostering
- Emergency fostering
- Parent and child fostering
- Specialist fostering
- Short break fostering (Share the Care)
We’ll help you identify which type best suits your family and circumstances.
Emergency foster carers provide immediate care when a child needs a safe place to stay at very short notice. Placements can happen day or night and may last from one night to a few days.
Short-break fostering provides planned support for children with disabilities and additional needs. South Gloucestershire’s short-break service is called Share the Care.
Mockingbird is an extended-family style support network that connects foster families together, providing practical help, peer support, shared activities and sleepover opportunities.
Foster carers receive:
- Events and activities for the whole family
- A dedicated supervising social worker
- 24/7 support
- Ongoing training
- Support groups and coffee mornings
- Therapeutic support through WAYPOINT
- Mockingbird peer support
- Events and activities for the whole family
WAYPOINT is South Gloucestershire Council’s specialist therapeutic support service. The team helps foster carers and children understand trauma, strengthen relationships and overcome challenges.
Often, yes. Whether a child can travel depends on their individual circumstances and any permissions required. Your supervising social worker will guide you through the process.
included in celebrations, holidays and family gatherings can help children feel valued and part of the family.
Yes. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and beliefs. Many of the values associated with fostering, such as compassion, kindness and supporting others, align closely with faith and community values.
The process includes:
- Initial enquiry
- Home visit
- Application
- Skills to Foster training
- Fostering assessment
- Fostering panel
- Final approval decision
- Matching with children
- Ongoing support and development
Our team will support you throughout every stage.
Still have questions?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Call: 01454 866423
Email: foster@southglos.gov.uk
Visit: fostersouthglos.org.uk