Fostering FAQs

Usually, it takes from 6-8 months after the completed application is received; However, for previous foster carers or existing foster carers, this can be much quicker. We are happy to give people as much information and support as they need and meet them with no commitment. Ultimately, we want to make sure you have all the answers to your questions before deciding to apply.

The first phase of the assessment involves gathering information from referees, a criminal records check and a medical. However, please note that having a criminal conviction or a medical condition would not necessarily mean you could not foster. It depends on the type of conviction and the circumstances at the time of the conviction. Similarly, a medical condition may not have an impact on your ability to care for a child; Again, speak to us and ask us if you are worried about anything you feel may affect your application.

There is no ‘typical’ or ‘ideal’ foster carer, and our foster carers are a remarkably diverse bunch, and that’s great! We have carers of different ethnicities and faiths, and some who have no faith. There are foster carers who are single, living together, married, and same-sex couples. Equally, some carers are employed, and some have given up work to become full-time foster parents; however, key traits they all have in common are empathy…Empathy patience; adaptability and perseverance.

Foster carers also have a willingness to learn, not just in formal training, (although there is quite a bit of that), but also to learn about the children in their care. They want to know what makes the children happy, what makes them sad or scared and equally, how they can give the best care to them.

All foster carers need to be able to ask for help and advice because the fostering role is not always straight forward. We are always there to support you, and for you to accept the support, ultimately, this will make you more able to support the child. Here at Caritas Care, our focus is on helping our foster carers be the best carers they can be.

Many people thinking about fostering have no parenting experience but we are here to work with you to identify what experiences you have from other areas of your life that are relevant, for example. if you have worked with children or done voluntary work.

You’ll be surprised at how relevant these experiences can be. If you do not have any previous child care experience it would greatly strengthen your application to seek this through baby sitting/caring for the children of relatives or friends or through voluntary work e.g. at schools or nurseries/beavers, rainbows etc.

Every prospective foster carer has a full medical as part of the fostering process, regardless of their health.

As part of this we would consider the nature of your health and mental health in addition to the impact on you and your ability to parent.

Every case is looked at individually by our agency medical adviser to determine your capacity to meet a child’s needs in to adulthood.

Many people ask this question and every fostering agency has the same approach. If you or any member of your household smokes, you will not be able to foster a child under 5 years of age, as it is recognised smoking can have a particularly damaging effect on young children’s health.

We can provide you will fuller details of our smoking/vaping policy and assistance available if that would be helpful.

This does not stop you from attending any of our information events and finding out more about fostering.  We’re here to help you.

Usually, it takes from 6-8 months after the completed application is received; However, for previous foster carers or existing foster carers, this can be much quicker. We are happy to give people as much information and support as they need and meet them with no commitment. Ultimately, we want to make sure you have all the answers to your questions before deciding to apply.

Yes you do… this is because the child needs their own space, somewhere they can call their own.  This will promote a sense of being valued and being part of your family. A child or young person needs to find their own place in the family and children in the family can take time to settle down.

If you have any questions about fostering, please feel free to give us a call

Of course… We welcome single foster carer.

Our single Foster Carers have had many successful placements – many children really thrive on the one to one attention.

If you have any questions about fostering, please feel free to give us a call

Yes you can! We very much welcome LGBTQ+ foster carers.

Our focus is to find loving and stable families for children, regardless of people’s sexual orientation.

We are members of New Family Social and of Proud2beParents, so you know you will be well-supported.

If you have any questions about fostering, please feel free to give us a call.

Yes you can…Some of our foster carers do have other jobs and that’s OK, as long as you can prioritise the needs of your foster child, if they are unwell for instance. Plus you’ll need to attend meetings, appointments, training events and support groups throughout the year. Some of these can be held in the evenings, but others will be during the day.  You may need some flexibility in terms of your working week to ensure that you can provide consistency and stability for your child.

Yes you can…if you don’t own your own home you can still foster.

However, you will need to check the terms and conditions of tenancy agreement and with your landlord .