Frequently asked questions

What is fostering?

Is fostering the same as adoption?

Why are children fostered?

There are a wide range of reasons a child may not be able to live with his or her own family: for example, bereavement, illness or family breakdown. In some cases, a child or young person may be removed from his or her family for their own safety. They then become looked after by the local authority in which they live (or the local health and social service trust in Northern Ireland). The authority is then responsible for the child's welfare.

In many cases fostering is considered to be the best way to provide care for children and young people who are looked after by a local authority (or HSS trust). It provides a safe, secure and nurturing family environment, either short or long-term, and allows them to keep in contact with their own families if they wish.

What do foster carers do?

What is a fostering service?

Are there different types of fostering?

Who can become a foster carer?

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?