How to Become A Foster Carer

Thinking about how to become a foster carer? We understand that becoming a foster carer is a significant and life-changing decision—for both you and your family. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you enquire to the day you welcome a child into your home, we’re by your side to answer any questions or concerns.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Foster Carer?

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: how long does it take to become a foster carer? While every situation is different, the process typically takes around 6 months. If you’re already an approved foster carer and wish to transfer to us, we can help fast-track the process. Visit our How To Transfer Fostering Agency page for more details.

What’s Involved in Becoming a Foster Parent?

Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent must go through a comprehensive fostering assessment process. This is essential to ensure you’re fully prepared to care for vulnerable children or young people in your home.

The fostering journey includes:

A detailed assessment known as Form F
Background checks and references
Introductory training called ‘Skills to Foster’, which runs during the assessment phase

This period also gives you time and space to reflect, learn, and decide if fostering is the right path for you and your household. A fostering panel will advise on the final fostering decision.

We’ve outlined the steps of becoming a foster carer with TACT below. The first step is to make an enquiry with our friendly fostering team – at this point you can ask any questions you have about becoming a foster carer and they’ll also be able to advise on your suitability to foster with TACT.

Each stage of the journey is described in more detail below.

Initial Enquiry

The initial enquiry is an opportunity for you to find out more about fostering and the application process. It will help you decide if it is something that you want to pursue.

Home Visit

The next step is for TACT to visit you at your home. The visit will involve a discussion about your circumstances and your motivations to become a foster carer.

Training

Next, you will be invited to Skills to Foster course. This two day course will give you an insight into life as a foster carer. It is delivered remotely, and you can choose the dates that suit you.

Assessment

After completing your application form you will be allocated an Assessing Social Worker who will work with you to complete your fostering assessment.

Approval

The final stage is the panel review. Our fostering panel is a group of independent professionals who will make a recommendation about your suitability to foster.

Our Fostering Process

No Pressure—Just Support

As a fostering charity, we place no pressure on you to proceed with fostering if you decide it’s not the right fit. Our role is to guide you through the process of how to become a foster carer and provide all the support you need to make an informed decision.

Find TACT near you

We understand how important it is to you to foster with an organisation that is always there for you. You’ll be pleased to know that your local TACT is never far away from where you are and that’s because we want to be there for you whenever you need us.

As the largest dedicated fostering charity in the UK, we pride ourselves on supporting you whenever you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Find your local team