Top 10 FAQ About Fostering

1. Who can be a foster carer?

Anyone provided you are between the age of 25 years and 65 years. In all cases, carers should be able to meet all the responsibilities of fostering. The Homefinding and Fostering Agency welcomes people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds to join their team of foster carers.

2. What are the qualities I need to possess to be considered for fostering?

Lots of patience, energy and creativity. A good sense of humour is an essential aspect of caring for children and young people.. We need carers to be flexible and have the ability to adapt their current lifestyle to fit into the expectations of you as a foster carer. Respect and understanding of diversity in cultural, social and economic backgrounds of children and their families.  

A clean and safe environment with at least a bedroom to spare for the fostered child. We have foster carers that have their own property or rent.

It is imperative that the fostered child has his/her own privacy

4. Can I express preference for the age group of children I wish to foster?

Yes. We talk through every aspect of fostering and guide you to make a decision about what type of child would suit you the best. However, The Homefinding and Fostering Agency receive a high number of referrals for older children. If your preferred age range for children is lower, there may be a longer wait before a placement is made.

 5. If I am in full time employment, would I still be considered for fostering?

The Homefinding and Fostering Agency require one foster carer to be home full time, available to the child if needed. There is also an expectation that attendance at training and support group will be part of the role of a carer. This means that foster carers must make time available to complete this ongoing development.

6. Would I need to take time off work during the assessment process?

Not necessarily, as our Social Worker would endeavour to fit the appointment times around your work schedule. However, you may need to take time off to undergo the full medical check up at your GP surgery as part of the assessment process. We offer a two day training programme that all prospective carers must attend, which may also mean time off work.

7. Can I still foster if I have a long term medical condition which is not life threatening?  

Yes. However, we would want to discuss this fully with you and then make a decision based on the information you give us. As long as your condition would not adversely limit your capacity to undertake the tasks that would be required of you as a foster carer it would be considered. The Homefinding and Fostering Agency operates a strict CONFIDENTIALITY policy.

8. Would I need to attend the Fostering Panel?  

Yes. The Homefinding and Fostering Agency expects all its prospective foster carers to attend the panel. You would be supported at Panel by your assessing Social Worker.  

9. How long would it be before I start receiving foster children?

This is often determined by the demand for placements by the Local Authority. Once your application has been approved by the Fostering Panel, we wait for the best match possible. We have over 100 referrals a month for children needing families. Our aim is to best match these children with you and your family circumstances.

10. How can I apply?  

You can contact The Homefinding and Fostering Agency on 0870 243 0178 for an informal discussion. We would then arrange a time to come and see you and your family to discuss the application in more detail.