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 household. The fostering journey may also appear to be overwhelming at first glance, with the many different steps, assessments and checks.
At TACT, we’re here to support you every step of the way, right from the moment you make an enquiry right through to that day when you first welcome a child into your home. Read our step-by-step guide below on how to become a foster carer.
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 six months. This is for a number of reasons:
- The role of a foster carer involves providing care for very vulnerable children and young people, so in-depth safeguarding checks and assessments are a requirement.
- The whole process provides foster carer applicants with a full 360-degree perspective of fostering, providing ample time for them to evaluate if fostering is the right choice for them and their household.
- The process includes some initial training called Skills to Foster.
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 can typically take around six months in order to ensure you are fully prepared, and also because the role involves caring for very vulnerable children or young people.
The fostering journey includes:
- A detailed assessment known as a 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.
How to become a foster carer – step-by-step
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.
Start Your Fostering Journey
