The UK Government has clarified the eligibility criteria for people seeking to become foster carers in England, stressing that applicants do not need to own a property or leave their jobs to care for children in need.
In guidance published on the GOV.UK website on Friday, the government stated that anyone interested in fostering must have the legal right to work in the UK and be capable of providing care for a child or young person.
While applicants must be at least 18 years old, most fostering services set the minimum age at 21.
The guidance also explained that home ownership is not a condition for becoming a foster parent. However, applicants will generally be required to have an additional bedroom where the foster child can stay.
People in employment are equally eligible to apply, although their ability to continue working will depend on the child’s needs and the conditions set by the fostering service.
Fostering services are provided through local councils, regional recruitment hubs and independent fostering agencies.
Application and assessment process
According to the government, the process starts with an application to a local council, regional recruitment hub or independent fostering agency and concludes when the relevant service makes a final decision.
The entire procedure may take as long as eight months, with some assessment stages conducted in a different sequence depending on the circumstances.
Prospective carers are also restricted to applying through only one fostering service at a time.
Following an application, candidates may be invited to attend a preparatory course designed to familiarise them with the responsibilities and demands of fostering.
Background checks are another requirement. Applicants and all adults living in their households must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including searches of the barred lists.
A social worker will subsequently carry out an assessment of the applicant and their household to establish whether they can offer a safe and appropriate environment for a child.
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Applicants must also indicate the kind of fostering arrangement they are interested in and the children they are willing to accommodate, including preferences concerning age and gender.
However, the government noted that prospective foster carers cannot choose an individual child from a group or have a trial period before accepting a placement.
Once the assessment is completed, the fostering service reviews the application and arranges for the applicant to appear before its panel. The panel makes a recommendation, after which the service takes the final decision.
Responsibilities of foster carers
Foster parents are expected to collaborate with local authorities, schools, healthcare providers and the child’s birth family to promote the child’s well-being and development.
Their duties include documenting the child’s progress, writing reports, participating in meetings, representing the child’s interests and providing emotional and behavioural support.
They are also required to undertake relevant training to help them meet the needs of children in their care.
The duration of a fostering arrangement varies, ranging from a single night to several years. In some cases, placements may continue until the young person reaches adulthood.
Can employed people become foster carers?
The government maintained that having a job does not automatically prevent someone from fostering, although arrangements will depend on the child’s individual circumstances and the fostering service’s requirements.
Employers may grant workers time off to help them fulfil their fostering duties, but there is no legal entitlement to leave from work under ordinary fostering arrangements.
An exception applies to people fostering for adoption, who may qualify for adoption leave and pay from the date the child moves into their home.
Where to seek further information
Individuals interested in becoming foster carers can obtain free guidance from Fosterline by calling 0800 040 7675.
The service is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.
The published requirements apply specifically to England, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate separate fostering arrangements.