logo

How to become a foster parent

Navigation:

Interested in becoming a foster carer? Perhaps you’re looking for further information to begin your application, or maybe you’re simply looking for some guidance – find out how to become a foster parent from our detailed guide.

How to become a foster carer

Firstly, it’s important to find out if you’re eligible for fostering. The fostering requirements state that:

  • You should be at least 21 years of age
  • You should be in good physical and mental health
  • You should have a spare bedroom
  • You need to be a full-time resident in the UK (or have leave to remain)
  • You need to be able to have the time to provide support and care to a child or young person

If you feel you possess these qualities and you meet these initial criteria for fostering, start your application process today by getting in touch with a member of our friendly team here at FosterCare UK. Here we can organise an initial discussion which will inform you more of the fostering process and give you information which should determine whether you want to continue fostering as a career.

Next, you will be appointed a social worker who will carry out a Form F Assessment. This looks to evaluate the level of time and energy you have available to care for a young child, as well as general health and space in the home. You will also have a DBS check carried out on you and all members of the household who are over 18 years of age. This process can take up to around six months as it gives an extensive insight into your family and lifestyle, and thoroughly determines your eligibility for foster care.

You can expect a number of visits from your social worker to your home in order for them to create an accurate picture of your family life. During this time, you will also be attending fostering training courses and sessions which will help prepare you for your career as a foster carer.

As soon as the Form F Assessment is complete, this assessment will be quality assured and presented to an individual panel who will assess your application. Recommendations based on your assessment will then be provided to FosterCare UK – who will make the final decision.

How to be a foster parent

You may be wondering how to be a foster parent – but do not worry, we have extensive fostering training and support every step of the way. Learn more about our recruitment process today and get in touch with a member of our FosterCare UK team for further information on becoming a foster parent.

Thinking of fostering?

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.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

you may be also interested in

Blogs

15th February, 2024

Breaking perceptions of Parent & Child fostering.

Blogs

1st February, 2024

National Storytelling Week. The benefits of a bedtime story.

Blogs

12th December, 2023

Language in Care, Let’s Change the Narrative.

Find out more about fostering with FosterCare UK.

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer

Download Now

Ways to
GET 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.


Request a
call back

Contact us by completing our online form and one of our fostering advisors will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.



Call us

Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.



Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Fostercare UK.