Your Questions about Fostering Answered
Everything you need to know about fostering, how and why to do it
There is a lot to think about when deciding to become a foster carer. We think it’s important that you have as much information about fostering, and the way Greater London Fostering works.
If you’re thinking about fostering, you probably have a lot of questions.
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions from people who are interested in fostering. Have a look through the answers, but if there is anything that hasn’t been answered, simply give us a call on 0208 3478741 or download our guide at the bottom of the page.
Our Top 5 Questions
- What is fostering?Short Answer – It is looking after children who are not your own.
- What are the different types of fostering?Short Answer – Different types include – Short or Long term, Remand, Parent and Child, and Children with disabilities.
- What kinds of children need fostering?Short Answer – All types of children need fostering.
- Is fostering the same as adoption?Short Answer – Fostering is very different to adoption. The main difference is you are not the child’s legal parent.
- What is a fostering agency?Short Answer – It’s an organisation that recruits, trains, and supports foster carer.
- Why should I join GLF?Short Answer – Well we are an agency passionate about giving children a chance.
- Can foster children share a bedroom with mine?Short Answer – No, they cannot share a bedroom with your own children.
- What difference does fostering make?Short Answer – Fostering can make a work of difference, children’s lives are changed by fostering.
- Do I have to pay to do the training?Short Answer – No, you should never have to pay to train as a foster carer.
- As a foster carer, am i an employee?Short Answer – No, you are not an employee – you are self-employed.
- Can I apply to foster online?Short answer; No, it’s not that easy – but click to find out how to take the next step.
- Can I foster if I’m gay?Short answer – Yes – your sexuality has nothing to do with whether you can foster or not.
- I have a criminal conviction, can I still foster?Short answer – It depends – there are some convictions which would exclude you, but other convictions won’t stop you.
- If I have pets, can I be a foster carer?Short answer – No – there are however a few breeds of dogs that we don’t allow our carers to have.
- If I’m single, can i still be a foster carer?Short answer – Yes – some of our best carers are single.
- Can I foster if i’m working?Short answer; Yes – although you do need some flexibility in your hours.
- Can I still claim benefits if I foster?Short answer; Normally benefits are not affected by fostering, but it’s worth reading more.
- Do I have to pay tax if i foster?Short answer- possibly, but in most cases no.
- Do I get any breaks or holidays as a foster carer?Short answer – yes, but there’s more to it.
- Do I get paid if I don’t have a placement?Short answer- No, you only receive payments when you have a fostering placement
- Do I have to do a tax return?Short answer; Yes, as a foster carer you have to register as self-employed, which means you have to do a return – find out more.
- Do foster carers have to have a qualification?Short answer; No, you don’t need a qualification, however child related studies always help.
- Do I need to have worked with children before?Short answer; no you need to have worked with children before, however experience like this does help.
- How do I become a foster carer?Short answer; Well, it takes about 6 months, and the first step is to arrange a call with us.
- How much do foster carers earn?Short answer – About £400 a week for each placement, but it does depend – find out more
- Can I foster a refugeeShort Answer; Yes – but you need to understand a bit more about it
- Is fostering the same as adoption?Short answer; They are very different, adoption is where the child legally becomes your own, fostering this isn’t the care.
- Is there an age limit?Short Answer; No, there is no age limit, but you need to know a bit more.
- What checks are carried out?Short answer; Lots, we do lots of checks on your background with a range of official institutions. find out exactly what here.
- What happens after i’m approved?Short answer: Well after you’re approved we will carefully match you with a child, who you will care for.