Our fostering advice and resources hub is designed to answer common questions about becoming a foster carer, foster care allowances, support available to foster carers and fostering in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, and more.
Whether you are just beginning to explore fostering or are ready to take the next step, you’ll find practical information, guidance and answers to some of the most frequently asked and important questions.
🌱 Getting Started:
A good place to begin if you’re thinking about becoming a foster carer.
Everything you need to know about becoming a foster carer, from eligibility and assessments to approval and beyond.
Foster Carers Needed in the West Midlands: Why It Matters
Discover why more foster carers are needed across the West Midlands and how you could make a lasting difference to a local child’s life.
Fostering Age Limits: Am I Too Old (or Young) to Foster?
Discover the minimum age to foster, whether there’s an upper age limit and what fostering agencies really look for.
Can I Work Full-Time and Foster a Child?
Learn how fostering can fit around work and family life, including guidance for single carers and those in full-time employment.
Can We Foster if We Have Pets? Everything You Need to Know
Find out how dogs, cats and other family pets are considered during the fostering assessment and why they’re rarely a barrier.
Will My Criminal Record Disqualify Me From Fostering?
Understand how DBS checks work, how criminal records are assessed and what fostering agencies consider during the application process.
📋 Becoming a Foster Carer:
Everything you need to know about the assessment and approval process.
The Fostering Process: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Learn what to expect from your first enquiry through to approval and welcoming your first foster child.
What Training Do Foster Carers Receive?
Explore the training, ongoing development and support available to help foster carers feel confident throughout their journey.
How Much do Foster Carers Get Paid?
Find out how foster care allowances work, what financial support is available and what payments cover.
Independent Fostering Agency vs Local Authority: What’s the Difference?
Compare independent fostering agencies and local authorities, including the support, training and services available to help you choose the right fit.
🏡 Preparing for Your First Placement:
Helpful guides for welcoming a child into your home.
How To Prepare Your Home For A Foster Child | A Complete UK Guide
Learn how to prepare your home for fostering, from bedroom requirements to creating a safe and comfortable environment.
Welcoming a Foster Child Into Your Home
Simple, practical advice to help you create a safe, reassuring and welcoming environment for a child joining your family.
The First 48 Hours: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Foster Placement
Discover what to expect when a foster child first arrives and how to help them feel safe, welcome and supported.
🌟 Living the Fostering Journey:
Advice and guidance for every stage of fostering.
What are the Different Types of Fostering?
Explore the different types of fostering, including short-term, long-term, respite, emergency and specialist placements.
Practical tips to help foster carers look after their own wellbeing while providing the best possible care for children.
What Happens When a Foster Child Turns 18? | Staying Put and Leaving Care
Learn how young people are supported after turning 18, including the Staying Put scheme and support for care leavers.