Question 1

What is the minimum age to become a foster carer?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit — many foster carers are in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Question 2

Can I foster if I rent my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can foster whether you own or rent, as long as you have a spare bedroom and your landlord gives permission.

Question 3

Can single people foster?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Single people make excellent foster carers. Your relationship status does not affect your ability to provide a loving home.

Question 4

Can I foster if I have a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the offence. Some convictions (particularly against children) are an absolute bar, but many spent convictions are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Question 5

Do I need to be a UK citizen?

Accepted Answer

No, but you must have permanent right to live and work in the UK and have been resident long enough for background checks.

Question 6

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

Accepted Answer

Typically 6–12 months from your initial enquiry to being approved and matched with a child.

Question 7

What is a home study assessment?

Accepted Answer

A series of visits from a social worker who explores your background, motivation, home environment, and readiness to foster. It is thorough but supportive.

Question 8

What happens at the fostering panel?

Accepted Answer

A panel of professionals and experienced foster carers reviews your assessment and makes a recommendation on your approval.

Question 9

Can I choose the age of the child I foster?

Accepted Answer

You can express preferences about the age and type of child you feel able to care for. Matching considers your skills, circumstances, and the child's needs.

Question 10

What training do I receive?

Accepted Answer

You attend preparation training (typically 3–5 days) before approval, and ongoing training throughout your fostering career — all provided free by your agency.

Question 11

Do foster carers get paid?

Accepted Answer

Foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance to cover the child's costs. Many agencies also pay a fee on top to recognise your time and skills. See our Pay page for current rates.

Question 12

Is the fostering allowance taxed?

Accepted Answer

Fostering income is tax-free up to a generous threshold (qualifying care relief). Most foster carers pay no tax on their fostering income.

Question 13

Do different types of fostering pay differently?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Specialist placements, such as children with complex needs, often attract enhanced fees. Emergency and parent-and-child placements may also pay more.

Question 14

Can I still claim benefits while fostering?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your circumstances. Fostering allowances are not counted as income for most benefits, but fees may affect certain means-tested benefits. Seek advice from your agency.

Question 15

Do I get paid during gaps between placements?

Accepted Answer

Policies vary by agency. Some pay a retainer fee between placements; others do not. This is an important question to ask when choosing your agency.

Question 16

What types of fostering are there?

Accepted Answer

Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, and sibling group fostering. See our Types page for full details.

Question 17

Can I start with respite fostering?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people begin with respite care — looking after children on weekends or during school holidays — before moving to full-time fostering.

Question 18

What is the difference between fostering and adoption?

Accepted Answer

Fostering is temporary (though it can be long-term). The child remains in the care of the local authority. Adoption is permanent — the child legally becomes yours.

Question 19

What support do foster carers receive?

Accepted Answer

You have a dedicated supervising social worker, access to 24/7 support lines, regular training, peer support groups, and respite care when needed.

Question 20

What if a placement is not working?

Accepted Answer

Speak to your social worker immediately. Agencies provide mediation, additional support, and — as a last resort — can arrange for the child to move to another placement. Your wellbeing matters too.

Question 21

Do I get any time off?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Respite care is available so you can have breaks. Most agencies encourage foster carers to take regular respite to prevent burnout.

Question 22

Can I take the child on holiday?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, with your agency's permission. You may need approval from the child's birth parents or social worker, particularly for trips abroad.

Question 23

What is FosterHub?

Accepted Answer

FosterHub is an information resource and matching service. We help people learn about fostering and, when our full service launches, connect them with fostering agencies in their area.

Question 24

Is FosterHub a fostering agency?

Accepted Answer

No. FosterHub is not a fostering agency and is not affiliated with any government body. We are a commercial service that connects prospective carers with agencies.

Question 25

Does FosterHub charge foster carers?

Accepted Answer

No. We never charge prospective foster carers. Our service will be funded by fostering agencies who pay us when we introduce them to qualified enquirers.

Question 26

Is my data safe with FosterHub?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take data protection seriously and comply with UK GDPR. Currently, we do not collect personal data other than anonymous analytics. See our Privacy Notice for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

5Eligibility