Becoming a Foster Carer: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It offers vulnerable children a safe and loving home when they need it most, helping them rebuild trust and stability in their lives. While the process of becoming a foster carer may seem detailed, every step is designed to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the carer and the child.

If you’ve ever considered fostering but weren’t sure where to start, this guide will take you through the entire process. From eligibility and assessment to training and approval, we will walk you through what to expect so you can feel confident about taking the first step.

Who Can Become a Foster Carer?

Foster carers come from all walks of life. There is no ‘typical’ foster carer—what matters most is the ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child. Some common misconceptions suggest that you must be married, own a home, or have previous experience with children to foster, but this isn’t the case.

To be eligible to foster, you must:

·       Be at least 21 years old (although some agencies accept applicants from 18).

·       Have a spare bedroom for the child to have their own space.

·       Be physically and emotionally healthy to meet the demands of fostering.

·       Be willing to undergo training and assessment to prepare for the role.

You can be single, married, in a civil partnership, or living with a partner. You don’t need to own your home—renters can foster too. Full-time workers can also apply, though flexibility and availability will be assessed to ensure a child’s needs can be met.

Step 1: Making an Initial Enquiry

The first step to becoming a foster carer is reaching out to a local authority or independent fostering agency. This is an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about fostering in your area. Different agencies offer varying levels of support, training, and financial allowances, as well as differing value systems. There are a number of foster care agencies which are also not-for-profit charities, such as Community Foster Care, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with both your needs and your values.

At this stage, there are a number of ways that reaching out to a fostering agency can happen. You could potentially talk to an existing carer to see how they got started on their journey, or even attending an open day or information event that an agency might host. Or, there’s the traditional way where you can get in touch either via phone or email or filling out a contact form on the website, and an advisor will provide basic information, discuss your suitability, and answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed, the agency will arrange a home visit.

Step 2: Home Visit and Initial Assessment

Once you’ve expressed an interest in fostering, a social worker will visit your home whenever you’re ready to assess your living environment and discuss your motivations. This doesn’t have to happen immediately, as you may not be ready for it straight away and may need a bit longer to research and think about this. Additionally, this is not an inspection but an informal conversation to ensure you have the right setup to care for a child.

During the visit, you can expect questions about:

·       Your experience with children (if any).

·       Your support network (family and friends who can assist you).

·       Your lifestyle and work commitments.

·       The type of fostering you are interested in.

This visit helps both you and the agency determine if fostering is the right path for you. If you’re ready to move forward, you will complete an official application form.

Step 3: The Fostering Assessment Process

The fostering assessment that we undertake here at Community Foster Care, is the Therapeutic Fostering Assessment, is a thorough evaluation that ensures that potential carers are suitable and well-prepared to take on the role of helping to provide a child with a loving home and the opportunity to heal from the trauma that they’ve experienced.

Key parts of the assessment include:

1.       Background Checks – Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, local authority checks, and references from employers, friends, and family.

2.       Health Assessment – A medical check to ensure you are physically and mentally capable of fostering.

3.       Financial Review – Assessing whether you are financially stable enough to support a child (fostering allowances are provided[EW2]  to help you care for your foster child).

4.       Training and Preparation Course – Attending an online training course that will give our carers a level 2 qualification in therapeutic parenting to learn about child development, trauma, and the challenges of fostering.

5.       Home Study Visits – A social worker will visit multiple times to discuss personal history, relationships, parenting styles, and readiness to foster.

This stage may feel intense, but it ensures that every foster carer is fully equipped to provide a stable and supportive environment[EW3] . We’ve also worked hard to build a community over the years of experienced foster carers at Community Foster Care, so we highly recommend that if you’re still unsure before the assessment period, that you attend one of our Meet the Carers sessions to be able to meet and speak with experienced carers.

Step 4: Attending the Fostering Panel

Once the assessment is complete, your application is presented to an independent fostering panel. The panel is made up of professionals such as social workers, health specialists, and experienced foster carers who review your assessment and make a recommendation. Your assessing social worker will attend the panel alongside you, and you will be supported throughout the entire process.

During the panel meeting:

·       You may be asked questions about your motivations and understanding of fostering.

·       The panel will review the assessment and consider all the information.

·       A final recommendation will be made on whether you are approved to foster.

Most applicants who reach this stage are approved, but if any issues arise, you may be asked for further information or training before being reconsidered. At Community Foster Care, we also support everyone who makes it to this stage to be able to present at their best. We provide the questions beforehand, so you can prepare before the actual panel itself, and we aim to make the experience a conversation, rather than an examination.

Step 5: Becoming an Approved Foster Carer

Once approved, you are officially a registered foster carer! Your agency or local authority will match you with a child based on their needs and your skills. Matching considers factors such as personality, experience, and household dynamics to ensure the best possible fit.

You will have the opportunity to discuss potential children, and in most cases, you will meet the child before they move in. The matching process is carefully managed to help both you and the child transition smoothly.

Step 6: Ongoing Support and Training

Fostering doesn’t end with approval—continuous training and support are provided to help you succeed. As a foster carer, you will receive:

·       Regular visits from a dedicated social worker.

·       24/7 support in case of emergencies or concerns.

·       Ongoing training and development in areas such as managing behaviour, trauma recovery, and special educational needs.

·       Financial allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child.

·       Access to foster carer support groups for advice and encouragement.

Foster carers are never alone, as there is always a strong support system in place to guide you through along the journey. We’ve built a community here to help every carer within it, giving you access to consultant psychotherapists, reflective group discussion groups, family support worker support for the children in your care, as well as empathic listeners when required. For more information on how Community Foster Care supports you in therapeutic community fostering, you can visit this page to find out every stage.

The Rewards of Becoming a Foster Carer

While fostering comes with challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. Foster carers have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a child’s life, helping them regain confidence, trust, and hope for the future. Many carers describe fostering as a life-changing experience that has deepened their sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Every child in foster care has a unique story, and as a foster carer, you play a vital role in shaping their future. Whether you offer a short-term home or long-term care and a place to heal, your support can give a child the stability and security they desperately need.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a foster carer is a commitment, but it is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling journeys you can take. By providing a safe and nurturing home, you can change a child’s life for the better. If you’re considering fostering, taking that first step could lead to an incredible and rewarding experience.

If you’d like to explore fostering further, reach out to us to begin your journey today.