How to Become a Foster Parent
Fostering a child is one of the most rewarding and life-changing things you can do. According to Gov.uk, around three-quarters of looked-after children in the UK live in foster care — and there’s always a growing need for more foster parents.
At Ascent Fostering, we’re here to support you on every step of the journey, from your first enquiry to welcoming a child into your home and beyond.
Who Can Apply to Be a Foster Parent?
Becoming a foster parent might feel daunting at first, but the truth is that you don’t need special qualifications or a traditional family setup to foster. What matters most is your ability to provide a child with a safe, supportive, and loving home.
Who Is Eligible to Foster?
The basic criteria are simple. You can apply to be a foster parent if you:
- Are aged 21 or over.
- Have a spare room in your home.
- Are in good health, with enough energy to care for a child.
- Have a positive attitude, a good sense of humour, and a willingness to learn.
- Can offer a stable, loving environment.
There’s no upper age limit, and you don’t need to be wealthy or own your own home. Whether you’re single, married, in a partnership, or have children of your own — or not — you can foster as long as you’re able to meet the emotional and practical needs of a child.
Do I Need to Be a British Citizen?
You do not need to be a UK citizen to become a foster parent. However, you must be a full-time resident of the UK or have indefinite leave to remain. This ensures that you have the stability and legal right to care for a child in the UK for as long as necessary.
What Kind of People Make Great Foster Parents?
Children in foster care come from many different backgrounds and so do foster parents. What matters most is your ability to empathise with a child, understand their needs, and provide a safe, caring home.
There’s more than one type of foster care. It can be short-term, long-term or part of a plan to reunite a child with their birth family. That’s why flexibility is also important.
What’s the Process of Becoming a Foster Parent?
At Ascent Fostering, the process usually takes around 3 to 4 months. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial chat – We’ll start with a friendly phone call to answer your questions and learn more about you.
- Home visit – A member of our team will visit your home to explain the process and check the space and environment.
- Directors’ call – You’ll meet the Ascent Fostering Directors and learn more about our agency and values.
- Formal assessment – A trained social worker will get to know your lifestyle, experience, and reasons for fostering.
- Training and support – We’ll provide full training and preparation, so you feel confident and ready.
- Panel and approval – Your application will go to an independent fostering panel. Once approved, you’ll be ready to welcome a child into your home.
We understand the process can feel overwhelming at times but you won’t be alone. Our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
For more details, take a look at our Journey to Becoming a Therapeutic Foster Carer.
Is There Financial Support for Foster Carers?
Yes — every foster parent receives a weekly allowance to help cover the costs during the process of caring for a child. This includes everyday expenses like:
- Food and household costs.
- Clothing.
- Leisure activities.
- Travel.
- Pocket money.
At Ascent Fostering, we also provide:
- Additional financial support for holidays.
- 21 days of paid respite per year (PA).
Foster carers are classed as self-employed and can benefit from a special tax scheme called Qualifying Care Relief, which offers generous tax exemptions based on your fostering household.
Ready to Take the First Step or Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about becoming a foster parent or want to chat with someone who understands the process, we’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to find out more or apply to become a foster carer please click here, and we’ll call you. Alternatively, you can call us on 0203 757 0070 or attend one of our open mornings.