Fostering
How to Become a Foster Carer in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about fostering? Brilliant. The UK needs more people like you. This guide walks you through the whole journey—from the first enquiry to your approval and first placement—so you know exactly what to expect, how long it can take, and the practical bits (training, checks, panel, and pay/allowances).
1) Decide who you’ll apply with (LA or IFA)
You can foster through your local authority (LA) or an independent fostering agency (IFA). Both recruit, assess, train and support carers; the right choice depends on your situation and what support, fees and placements are available where you live. You can register with only one service at a time, and the overall process is broadly the same whichever route you choose.
Tip: Compare support (out-of-hours, supervising social worker caseload, peer groups), typical placement types (siblings, teens, parent & child), training offer and how fees/allowances are structured.
2) Make an initial enquiry
Your first contact is usually a short phone call or web form. Expect friendly screening questions: where you live, household and spare room, work patterns, motivation to foster, and your support network. If things look suitable, you’ll be invited to an information event (in person or online) or directly to a home visit.
Basic eligibility (UK-wide): you’ll usually need a spare bedroom, be at least 18, and be able to meet a child’s needs (health, lifestyle and time). Renting is fine, as long as your landlord consents. Final suitability is confirmed during assessment.
3) Home visit / initial visit
A social worker visits to learn more about you and your household, discuss the role, look at space and safety, and help you decide if fostering is right for you now. It’s informal but purposeful: they’ll explain placement types, the realities of contact with birth family, recording requirements, and the support you’ll receive.
Outcome: if both sides are happy, you proceed to assessment and are booked onto pre-approval training.
4) Pre-approval training: “Skills to Foster”
Before or during assessment you’ll complete core training (commonly called Skills to Foster). It covers safeguarding, trauma and attachment, safer caring, education/health, equality and diversity, recording and teamwork with professionals. This helps you understand the day-to-day role and gives assessors early evidence of your learning and reflection.
5) The assessment: Stage 1 checks and Stage 2 “Form F”
In England (and similarly across the UK), assessment runs in two parts:
- Stage 1 (Checks): identity, DBS safeguarding checks for adults in the home, references, medical, home health & safety, finances, pets, and previous addresses/employment. Services must reach a Stage 1 decision promptly before moving further.
- Stage 2 (Form F report): a series of structured, reflective interviews to build a picture of your experiences, values, relationships, parenting approaches, and support network—pulled together in a Form F (Prospective Foster Carer Report) for panel. In 2025, the Form F template was refreshed to be clearer and more child-needs-focused.
Expect several home visits over a few months. You’ll be asked for examples from your life—times you kept a child safe, managed conflict, advocated at school, or worked in a team. Be honest; assessors are looking for insight and resilience, not perfection.
6) Fostering panel and Agency Decision Maker (ADM)
When your assessment is complete, your social worker submits your Form F to a fostering panel—a group with care, education, health and fostering expertise. You’ll usually attend (in person or online). Panel recommends whether to approve you (and for which age/placement types). The Agency Decision Maker then makes the final decision, usually within a week of receiving panel minutes.
If deferred or not approved: you can be given actions to complete, re-apply later, or (in England) consider the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) route if you disagree with the decision.
7) How long does it take?
From first application to decision, plan for around six to eight months (it can be quicker or slower depending on your circumstances, the service’s capacity, and how quickly checks come back). GOV.UK notes the whole process can take up to eight months.
Speed-ups: have documents ready, book your medical early, ask referees to reply promptly, and complete training as soon as dates are offered.
8) After approval: matching, support and your first placement
Once approved, your supervising social worker will discuss matching—age range, needs, and what you feel ready for. Early on, many carers take short-term or respite placements to build experience; others step straight into longer-term or specialist roles (e.g., siblings, teens, or parent & child). You’ll receive ongoing training, supervision, and access to out-of-hours support. Ofsted (and the devolved inspectorates) regulate and inspect fostering services, focusing on children’s outcomes and how well services support carers.
9) Allowances, fees and tax relief
Every placement includes a weekly allowance to cover the child’s day-to-day costs (food, clothing, transport, utilities, activities). Many services also pay a carer fee/skill payment recognising your role, training and time; amounts vary by service, child needs and your approval category.
For tax, the UK uses Qualifying Care Relief (QCR)—a generous scheme that often means no tax is due on fostering income up to a fixed annual amount plus a weekly amount for each child placed. Always check the current figures and follow HMRC’s HS236 helpsheet when completing Self Assessment.
10) What support is changing in 2025?
England is rolling out regional recruitment support hubs (often branded “Foster with Us”) so prospective carers can access a single, high-quality front door for information, training and support before choosing an LA/IFA. You may see joint information events and shared training in your region.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a spare room?
Usually yes—a child needs their own bedroom except for specific, risk-assessed situations (e.g., some sibling groups). This is checked during Stage 1/Stage 2.
Can I foster if I rent or work full-time?
Renting is fine with landlord consent. Working is possible for many carers depending on your role, shift pattern and the child’s needs; discuss this early with your service.
What is “Form F”?
It’s the structured assessment report your social worker prepares with you. Panel reads it to understand your strengths, learning and support network. A refreshed 2025 template puts even more emphasis on how you’ll meet children’s needs.
What happens after panel?
The ADM considers panel’s recommendation and makes the legal decision about your approval—normally within seven working days of receiving the minutes.
Your simple action plan (start this week)
- Shortlist two services (your LA + one IFA) and book an information session.
- Audit your home (spare room, safety) and gather documents (ID, addresses, employment, references).
- Talk to your support network—who can help with school runs, appointments or respite?
- Prepare for training—read about attachment, trauma and safer caring.
- Be open in assessment—reflect honestly on your experiences; assessors value insight and learning.
- Think matching—age range, behaviours you feel equipped for, and what training/support you’ll need.
Fostering changes lives—yours included. If you’re ready to explore the next step, make that first enquiry today and let the assessment process guide you. With the right support, you can offer a stable, nurturing home when it’s needed most.