What happens when a child is taken into care?
Benefits of being a foster parent
What is a care leaver?
How to become a foster parent
How to foster a child
What are the foster care requirements
Can I choose who I foster?
Fostering with pets FAQ
How long does it take to become a foster parent?
What is the role of an independent fostering agency?
Fostering a disabled child
The primary difference between fostering and adoption is that adopters become the child’s new permanent legal parents and therefore make all parental decisions. Foster carers have a different role, they look after the children of birth parents and so decision making for the child is shared by the local authority and birth parent(s), although some decisions can be delegated to the foster carers.
So, should you choose to foster or adopt?
Often, people make the mistake of confusing long-term foster care with adoption. In foster care, children will be placed with foster carers as long as they need to be. Sometimes this is short term, as if deemed safe by the Court, children can return to live with their parent(s) or other family members. However, many children are made subject to a full Care Order. This means they need a long-term foster placement to grow up in, until they reach the age of 18 years. For many children in care this will be the permanent plan for them.
The goal of fostering is not adoption. Fostering is geared towards reuniting children or young people with their birth parents and, typically, foster children do not become available for adoption. However, if you do wish to adopt your foster child, there are some issues to contend with:
Deciding whether to foster or adopt can be a difficult decision, which should take time and consideration. Ensure you’ve explored all the avenues you can before making your decision. For some extra advice and support, learn more about why you should become a foster carer, or get in touch with a member of our expert team now.
If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.