FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the most common questions and answers asked by potential foster carers.
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Who can become a foster carer in the UK?
People from many different backgrounds can become foster carers. You can be single or in a relationship, married or unmarried, heterosexual or LGBT+, and from any ethnic, cultural or religious background.
You will normally need to live in the UK, have the legal right to remain and work here, and be able to provide a child or young person with a safe, stable and caring home.
What are the requirements to become a foster carer?
Fostering requirements vary depending on the agency and type of placement. Generally, you will need to:
- be at least 21 years old;
- have the right to live and work in the UK;
- have enough time to care for a child;
- complete a fostering assessment;
- undergo DBS, medical and reference checks;
- usually have a suitable spare bedroom.
You do not need to be married, own your home or have professional childcare experience.
Do you need a spare bedroom to foster a child?
In most cases, yes. A foster child will usually need a suitable bedroom of their own where they can feel safe and have privacy.
Bedroom requirements can depend on the child’s age, the type of fostering and the circumstances of the placement. Contact Ansacare to discuss whether your home is suitable.
How much do foster carers get paid in the UK?
Foster carers receive a fostering allowance to help cover the cost of caring for a child. They may also receive payments recognising their time, skills and experience.
The amount depends on factors such as the child’s age and needs, the type of placement and the level of support required. Contact Ansacare for current information about our fostering allowances.
Can I work and be a foster carer?
Yes, it may be possible to work and foster. Whether your employment is compatible with fostering will depend on your working hours, flexibility, support network and the needs of the child placed with you.
Some placements require a foster carer to be available during the day, while others may be compatible with flexible or part-time employment.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes. You do not need to own your home to become a foster carer. You can apply if you rent privately or live in social housing, provided your home is safe, stable and suitable for a child.
You may need permission from your landlord or housing provider.
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The fostering assessment and approval process usually takes several months. The exact timescale depends on your circumstances, availability and how quickly the necessary checks, references and training can be completed.
Your Ansacare social worker will guide you and keep you informed throughout the process.
Is there an age limit for fostering in the UK?
You will normally need to be at least 21 years old to foster with an agency. There is no fixed upper age limit.
Your health, energy, experience, lifestyle and ability to meet a child’s needs are more important than your age.
Can a single person become a foster carer?
Yes. You do not need to be married or in a relationship to foster. Single men and women can become foster carers.
As part of the assessment, we will discuss your support network and who could help you when needed.
Can I foster if I already have children?
Yes. Many foster carers have birth, adopted or stepchildren of their own.
Your children will be included in the fostering assessment. We will consider their views and discuss how fostering could affect everyone living in your home.
Can I foster if I have pets?
Yes, having pets does not usually prevent you from fostering. Pets can help children feel comfortable and become part of family life.
We will assess your pets’ behaviour, temperament and any potential risks to ensure that the home is safe for a foster child.
Can I foster if I am LGBT+?
Yes. Your sexual orientation or gender identity does not prevent you from becoming a foster carer.
Ansacare welcomes applications from individuals and couples from all backgrounds who can provide a safe, supportive and caring home.
Can I foster if I have a disability or health condition?
Having a disability, medical condition or mental health history does not automatically prevent you from fostering.
As part of the assessment, you will complete a medical check so that we can understand whether your health may affect your ability to care for a child.
Can I foster if I smoke or vape?
Smoking or vaping does not always prevent you from fostering, but it may affect the age or needs of the children who can be placed with you.
We will discuss your circumstances and explain the relevant health and safety requirements during the assessment.
Can I foster if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming a foster carer. It depends on the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred and your current circumstances.
Offences involving violence or harm to children are likely to prevent approval. It is important to disclose relevant information at the beginning of the process.
Do I need childcare experience to become a foster carer?
No professional childcare qualifications are required. Experience of caring for children can be helpful, but your personal qualities, stability, willingness to learn and ability to support a child are equally important.
Ansacare provides preparation and ongoing training for foster carers.
What checks are carried out when applying to foster?
The fostering assessment normally includes:
- Disclosure and Barring Service checks;
- identity and address checks;
- personal references;
- a medical assessment;
- checks with Local Authorities;
- discussions with members of your household;
- an assessment of your home and support network.
We will explain each check and ask for your consent before the process begins.
What happens during a fostering assessment?
A fostering social worker will meet with you to learn about your life, family, relationships, experience, health, home and reasons for wanting to foster.
The assessment is detailed, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about fostering and decide whether it is right for you and your family.
What is the difference between fostering and adoption?
Adoption is a permanent legal arrangement in which the adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents.
Fostering provides a child with a safe family home while responsibility for important decisions is shared with the Local Authority and others involved in the child’s care. A fostering placement may last from a short period to several years.
How long does a foster child stay with you?
A fostering placement can last for one night, several weeks, months or many years. It depends on the child’s needs and care plan.
Some children return to their birth families, while others remain in long-term foster care or move to another permanent arrangement.
Can foster carers choose the age of the child they foster?
You can discuss the age range and types of placements that would be suitable for your family, home, experience and lifestyle.
The matching process considers both your preferences and the individual needs of each child.
Can I choose which foster placements I accept?
You will receive available information about a proposed placement and can discuss it with the Ansacare team before making a decision.
Matching is designed to determine whether the placement is appropriate for the child and your household.
Read more information here
Still Have Questions About Fostering?
Every fostering journey is different. Speak to the Ansacare team for a friendly, confidential and no-obligation conversation about your circumstances.