Our FAQs About Foster Care
Our FAQs About Foster Care
Our FAQs About Foster Care
There is a lot of misinformation regarding fostering, so here we provide answers to questions you might have about foster care. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to answer your question.
There is a lot of misinformation regarding fostering, so here we provide answers to questions you might have about foster care. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please get in touch and we will be more than happy to answer your question.
FAQs
FAQs
What do I need to foster?
What do I need to foster?
What do I need to foster?
The three main things you need to apply to foster are: • A spare bedroom • Typically, to be over 25 years old • To be capable of caring for a child A spare bedroom is usually the most common reason people cannot foster - but otherwise there are very few barriers. We welcome foster carers from any background regardless of sexuality, relationship status, ethnicity, religion or gender, and you do not need to own your own home. Having your own children, pets, a criminal record or being retired will not automatically stop you from fostering - as long as it does not affect your ability to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment. You need to be committed and flexible to meet a child’s needs. Some carers continue working, but the job must be flexible enough to attend training, meetings, write reports and take children to appointments. We also look for stability at home. For example, if you are in a relationship we typically ask that you have been together for at least two years. If you are planning a house move, you can start the process - but we would not place a child with you until you are settled in your new home.
The three main things you need to apply to foster are: • A spare bedroom • Typically, to be over 25 years old • To be capable of caring for a child A spare bedroom is usually the most common reason people cannot foster - but otherwise there are very few barriers. We welcome foster carers from any background regardless of sexuality, relationship status, ethnicity, religion or gender, and you do not need to own your own home. Having your own children, pets, a criminal record or being retired will not automatically stop you from fostering - as long as it does not affect your ability to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment. You need to be committed and flexible to meet a child’s needs. Some carers continue working, but the job must be flexible enough to attend training, meetings, write reports and take children to appointments. We also look for stability at home. For example, if you are in a relationship we typically ask that you have been together for at least two years. If you are planning a house move, you can start the process - but we would not place a child with you until you are settled in your new home.
Matching
Matching
Can I express preferences for the children I foster?
Can I express preferences for the children I foster?
Can I express preferences for the children I foster?
Absolutely. We know that different age groups and, sometimes, gender considerations suit some households better than others. The aim is always a good match so that placements work for children and for your family. Early in your assessment we will talk through different types of fostering and help you decide what might suit you best - for example younger children, teenagers, or sibling groups. As you gain confidence, you can also widen or change your approval over time.
Absolutely. We know that different age groups and, sometimes, gender considerations suit some households better than others. The aim is always a good match so that placements work for children and for your family. Early in your assessment we will talk through different types of fostering and help you decide what might suit you best - for example younger children, teenagers, or sibling groups. As you gain confidence, you can also widen or change your approval over time.
How does a fostering agency work?
How does a fostering agency work?
How it works
How it works
When a child cannot stay with their birth parents or current guardian, they may come into foster care. Our role is to recruit, train and support foster carers. When we receive a referral from a local authority for a child who needs a placement, we contact suitable available carers. If a carer accepts, we confirm the placement and support the move - sometimes this can be planned so the child meets their new foster family. Once a child is placed, we provide an allowance and ongoing support so you can care for them for as long as they need foster care. We keep carers informed throughout because you are fellow professionals caring for the children in your home.
When a child cannot stay with their birth parents or current guardian, they may come into foster care. Our role is to recruit, train and support foster carers. When we receive a referral from a local authority for a child who needs a placement, we contact suitable available carers. If a carer accepts, we confirm the placement and support the move - sometimes this can be planned so the child meets their new foster family. Once a child is placed, we provide an allowance and ongoing support so you can care for them for as long as they need foster care. We keep carers informed throughout because you are fellow professionals caring for the children in your home.
Support
Support
What support and training will I receive?
What support and training will I receive?
We offer 24-hour support every day of the year, so you can speak to a social worker whenever you need guidance. We also have a support staff team who can help with practical areas such as transport, a crèche, contact supervision and more. As an approved carer you will attend our three-day Skills to Foster training. In your first year, you will have a fostering mentor and a dedicated supervising social worker who can provide advice during your first placements. To find out more, see our Training and Support pages - or speak to us and we will talk you through what support looks like day to day.
We offer 24-hour support every day of the year, so you can speak to a social worker whenever you need guidance. We also have a support staff team who can help with practical areas such as transport, a crèche, contact supervision and more. As an approved carer you will attend our three-day Skills to Foster training. In your first year, you will have a fostering mentor and a dedicated supervising social worker who can provide advice during your first placements. To find out more, see our Training and Support pages - or speak to us and we will talk you through what support looks like day to day.
Next steps
Next steps
Can I afford to foster - and how do I apply?
Can I afford to foster - and how do I apply?
**Can I afford to foster?** We offer a competitive allowance to support you financially as you foster. As a minimum, our fostering families receive **£469 per week** for one child on a standard arrangement, and you also receive **14 days of paid respite** each year for the child you look after. Carers may receive more depending on the type of placement and a child’s needs. **Why foster with us?** We are an independent, local fostering agency and have been independent since 1996. Many of our team have been here a long time, and when you call you will usually hear a familiar voice - so we can respond quickly. We value and celebrate differences and diversity, and we support carers across Kent (and parts of London). **How do I apply to foster?** The first step is simply to get in contact with us. A short initial conversation helps us guide you through the process and answer your questions. Phone: **01622 765646** Email: **duty@homefindingandfostering.co.uk** Or use the Get in Touch button to send us a message.
**Can I afford to foster?** We offer a competitive allowance to support you financially as you foster. As a minimum, our fostering families receive **£469 per week** for one child on a standard arrangement, and you also receive **14 days of paid respite** each year for the child you look after. Carers may receive more depending on the type of placement and a child’s needs. **Why foster with us?** We are an independent, local fostering agency and have been independent since 1996. Many of our team have been here a long time, and when you call you will usually hear a familiar voice - so we can respond quickly. We value and celebrate differences and diversity, and we support carers across Kent (and parts of London). **How do I apply to foster?** The first step is simply to get in contact with us. A short initial conversation helps us guide you through the process and answer your questions. Phone: **01622 765646** Email: **duty@homefindingandfostering.co.uk** Or use the Get in Touch button to send us a message.
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Fostering
Support
Our Address
The Homefinding & Fostering Agency
Vinters Park
Maidstone
ME14 5NZ
© 2026 Homefinding & Fostering Agency.
Get stories, fostering advice, and news straight to your inbox
Sign up to hear from us once a month. No spam, just real support.
By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy
Fostering
Support
Our Address
The Homefinding & Fostering Agency
Vinters Park
Maidstone
ME14 5NZ
© 2026 Homefinding & Fostering Agency.