Frequently asked questions
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Questions about fostering?
Fostering is a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have lots of questions before you know whether it’s right for you.
We’ve answered some of the questions we’re asked most often below, from who can foster and what the assessment involves to payments, support and transferring from another fostering service.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is always happy to have an informal conversation. You don’t need to be ready to apply before you get in touch.
Becoming a foster parent
Do I need to own my home to foster?
No. You can foster if you rent your home, provided your housing arrangements are suitable and secure and you have a spare bedroom for a child. Your home doesn't need to be particularly large or impressive. What matters is that it offers a safe, welcoming and stable environment.
Can I foster if I'm single?
Yes. You can foster if you're single, married or in a relationship. What matters is whether you can provide the care, stability and commitment a child needs and whether you have an appropriate support network around you.
Can LGBTQ+ people foster?
Absolutely. Flourish welcomes prospective foster parents regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, religion, relationship status or background. Children and young people come from many different backgrounds themselves, and we value foster families who bring different experiences, cultures and perspectives.
Do I need to have children of my own?
No. You don't need to be a parent already to become a foster parent. Parenting experience can be helpful, but so can many other forms of life experience. We're interested in your ability to build relationships, offer stability, learn and reflect rather than whether you've followed one particular route through life.
Do I need a spare bedroom?
Yes. Children placed with Flourish foster families will normally need a bedroom of their own. If you're unsure whether your home would be suitable, speak to our team before ruling yourself out.
Life as a foster parent
What does a foster parent actually do?
Much of fostering looks like everyday family life: school runs, meals, appointments, activities, helping with homework, celebrating birthdays and being there after a difficult day. Foster parents also have professional responsibilities. You'll work with social workers and other people around the child, attend training and meetings, keep appropriate records and advocate for the child in your care.
Do foster parents get paid?
Yes. Foster parents receive a maintenance payment towards the cost of caring for a child, plus a professional fee for their skill, work and responsibility. Fostering can be a full-time career. Payments are tiered by type of fostering, the child's age and needs, and your experience. Flourish also provides 21 days of paid respite a year.
Read more about pay, allowances and time off.
Can I work as well as foster?
Potentially. It depends on your working pattern, your household and the needs of the child you're caring for. Fostering involves school runs, appointments, meetings, training and being available when a child needs you. Working alongside fostering can be possible, but fostering normally needs one parent to be available at all times, so flexibility is essential. It's best to talk to us about your individual circumstances rather than assuming your current job automatically rules you out.
Support from Flourish Fostering
What support will I receive?
You'll have a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who gets to know you and your family, as well as access to our in-house therapeutic expertise, training and development, your regional team and 24/7 support. You'll also be supported by people working across placements, finance and administration, and you'll have opportunities to meet other Flourish foster families through training, support groups and events.
What is therapeutic fostering?
Therapeutic fostering recognises that a child's previous experiences can influence their behaviour, relationships and sense of safety. Rather than looking only at the behaviour we can see, foster parents are supported to think about what may be happening underneath it and respond in ways that help children develop safe, dependable relationships. The core principle is simple: with the right environment and support, children can heal from past trauma and begin to thrive.
At Flourish, this approach is supported by specialist training and our in-house therapy team, working alongside our social workers and foster families. Read more about therapeutic fostering.
Will somebody be available outside office hours?
Yes. Flourish provides 24/7 on-call support, 365 days a year, so help is available when something happens that genuinely can't wait until the next working day.
Applying and transferring
What happens after I enquire?
Your first conversation is simply an opportunity for us to learn a little about you and for you to ask questions about fostering and Flourish. If you decide you'd like to continue, there will be an initial home visit followed by an application, safeguarding checks, training and a detailed fostering assessment before your application goes to panel. We'll explain each stage as you go and you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
How long does it take to become a foster parent?
It usually takes around 3 to 4 months. The assessment is thorough, with visits, checks, references, training and panel, so timing depends on your circumstances. Transfers are often quicker, in many cases 6 to 12 weeks.
Can I transfer to Flourish if I already foster?
Yes. Experienced foster parents can transfer from another fostering service to Flourish. You can begin by speaking to us confidentially, with no commitment to move. We'll talk about what has prompted you to consider transferring, explain the process and answer any questions before you decide whether you want to take things further.
What happens if I'm already caring for a child when I transfer?
Transfers involving a child already living with you need to be handled particularly carefully because the child's welfare and stability come first. Other professionals and the responsible local authority will need to be involved at the appropriate stage. We'll explain how this works and what it means for your individual circumstances before anything progresses.
Still have questions?
There are no silly questions when you’re considering something as important as fostering.
If there’s something you haven’t found here, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to talk it through without expecting you to make a decision.