Frequently asked questions

What is fostering?

Is fostering the same as adoption?

Why are children fostered?

What do foster carers do?

What is a fostering service?

Are there different types of fostering?

Who can become a foster carer?

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a foster carer. However, you do need skills and experience that will enable you to meet the needs of the children and young people you care for.

• You will need to have time and energy to invest in a child or young person.
• You must be able to communicate effectively, not only with children and young people but with social workers, the children's birth families and other concerned with the wellbeing of the children.
• You need to be flexible and non-judgmental, as well as patient and understanding.
• A sense of humour is also a necessity!

Fostering services need to recruit a variety of carers to offer as much placement choice as possible to children and young people. You can apply to foster regardless of your marital status, sexuality or residential status. Foster carers come from diverse ethnic and cultural background which reflect the children and young people who are in the public care system.

There are certain offences that will prevent you becoming a foster carer, so if you have ever been convicted of a sexual offence or a violent act towards a child then you will not be able to foster.

Is it a full-time job?

Do I get paid?

Will I receive training?

What support is available?

What about my own children?

So, what do I do now?