How to Become a Foster Parent: A Step-by-Step Guide
To become a foster parent in the UK, you must be at least 21 years old, have a spare bedroom, pass background checks, and complete a fostering assessment process. Most applications take 3–6 months from enquiry to approval.
Last updated: 20 May, 2026.
Last updated: 20 May, 2026.
How to Become a Foster Parent in the UK (At a Glance)
To become a foster parent in the UK, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements and complete an assessment process.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom
- Be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain
- Pass background and medical checks
- Complete a fostering assessment and training
The process typically takes 3 to 6 months and includes a home visit, training, and approval by a fostering panel.
At Compass Fostering, we understand that whilst the desire to care is simple, the process can often seem complex. You likely have questions about eligibility, the assessment process, finances and how this will likely impact your own family.
We are here to make things simple for you. As one of the UK’s leading independent fostering agencies, we don’t just process applications; we build families. From your first enquiry to the day you welcome a child into your home, we provide the full training, funding, and 24/7 support you need to succeed.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a foster parent in the UK, what is required of you, and why thousands of carers continue to choose Compass Fostering.
Prefer to watch? View our dedicated video guide.
Step 1
Understand Fostering Requirements
One of the most common reasons people delay applying is the fear that they “won’t fit the mould.” The reality, however, is there is no single “type” of foster parent. We need carers from all walks of life to reflect the diversity of the children in care.
The Essential Criteria
To begin your application with Compass (or any other UK fostering agency), you must meet these core government requirements:
- ✅ Age: You must be at least 21 years old. From a legal standpoint, there is no upper age limit, though in the interest of children, individual fostering agencies may possess their own criteria. At Compass Fostering, for instance, you can foster until the age of 75.
- ✅ Residency: You must be a full-time resident of the UK or have indefinite leave to remain.
- ✅ Spare Bedroom: You must have a spare bedroom. This is a crucial safeguarding requirement. This also means that foster children cannot share a room with you or your own children (except in very specific circumstances for infants).
- ✅ Driving Ability: Although not a strict legal requirement, being able to drive and having access to a vehicle is highly preferred, as you will need to transport children to school, medical appointments, and family contact sessions when necessary.
Who Can Foster? (Busting the Myths)
We actively encourage applications from individuals regardless of:
Marital Status
Single, married, cohabiting or divorced — all are welcome to foster.
Sexual Orientation
We are proud to support many LGBTQ+ foster families.
Home Ownership
You do not need to own your home. Renters are welcome, provided you have a secure tenancy.
Employment
You can work and foster, provided you can be available for the child when needed (school runs, holidays, sickness).
Parenting Experience
You do not need to have had your own children to be a great foster parent. Experience with childcare (voluntary or professional) is helpful, but our training covers the rest!
What Might Disqualify You?
Transparency is critical. Consequently, during the assessment process, an Enhanced DBS check must be carried out.
- ❌ Automatic Disqualifiers: Please note that any history of offenses against children or significant violent crimes will lead to automatic disqualification. We are legally unable to process applications from individuals with such convictions.
- ❓Past Convictions: A minor historic criminal record, however, will not automatically rule you out. We believe in potential, not perfection. If you are unsure, please speak to us in confidence — honesty is undoubtedly the best policy.
Step 2
Decide What Kind of Fostering Is Right for You
Fostering is not “one size fits all.” Different children have different needs, and Compass offers various types of fostering arrangements to suit your lifestyle and skills.
Short-Term Fostering
This is the most common type of care. It can last from a few days to a few years. The goal is often to look after the child whilst plans are made for their future — whether that is returning to their birth family or moving to adoption.
Long-Term Fostering
This involves caring for a child or young person until they reach adulthood. You become their permanent family unit, providing stability and love throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Parent & Child Fostering
This is a specialist type of fostering where a parent (usually a mother, but sometimes a father) and their baby come to stay with you. Your role is not just to care for the baby, but to support and assess the parent’s ability to care for their child independently.
Therapeutic Fostering
Compass specialises in therapeutic care. Many children we support have experienced trauma or neglect. Therapeutic fostering involves a higher level of training and support to help these children heal and develop emotional resilience.
Respite Care
Respite carers provide short breaks for full-time foster carers (e.g., one weekend a month or during holidays). This is an excellent option for those who cannot commit to full-time fostering due to work commitments.
Step 3
The Fostering Process
How long does it take to become a foster parent? Typically, the process takes 3 to 6 months. However, Compass offers a timeline that prioritises safety and thoroughness.
Step 1: Initial Enquiry & Chat
It starts with a conversation. When you complete our online enquiry form or call our team, you aren’t committing to anything.
- We will ask a few basic questions about your housing situation and family.
- You can ask us anything — about allowances, logistics or challenges.
- If you are happy to proceed, we move to the next step immediately.
Step 2: The Initial Home Visit
We will arrange for a social worker to visit your home.
- What happens: We look at the spare bedroom and the general safety of your home.
- The discussion: We discuss your motivation to foster and what impact it might have on your family.
- The outcome: If the visit is positive, you will be invited to submit a formal application.
Step 3: The Application & “Form F” Assessment
Once your application is accepted, you will be assigned a dedicated Assessing Social Worker. They will work with you to complete a comprehensive report called the Form F Assessment.
This involves 8 to 10 visits over several months. It covers:
- Your family background and childhood.
- Your lifestyle, hobbies, and support network.
- Your relationships (current and past).
- Your employment and financial stability.
Don’t be intimidated by the paperwork! Your social worker is there to do the heavy lifting. They are your advocate, helping to capture the evidence that shows you will be a safe, nurturing carer.
Step 4: Statutory Checks
During the assessment, we conduct all necessary background checks to ensure the safety of the children.
- DBS Checks: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for you and anyone in your household over 18.
- Medical Check: A standard review with your GP to ensure you are physically and mentally fit to foster.
- References: We will ask for references from employers and personal acquaintances.
- Local Authority Checks: Checks with the social services department in areas where you have lived.
Step 5: Foster Care Foundations Training
Training is a mandatory (and enjoyable!) part of the journey. You will attend our Foster Care Foundations course, usually held over a period of 3 days.
You will learn alongside other applicants, covering important topics such as:
- Why children come into care.
- Understanding attachment and trauma.
- Managing difficult behaviour.
- Safeguarding and safer care.
- First aid.
This training helps you decide if fostering is definitely right for you, and equips you with the tools to handle the first few months of a placement.
Step 6: The Fostering Panel
Once your Form F is complete and checks are back, you will be invited to the Fostering Panel.
- What is it? A meeting with a group of independent professionals (social workers, education experts, and experienced carers) who review your application.
- Your role: You will attend with your social worker. The panel may ask a few clarifying questions.
- The decision: The panel makes a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM). If approved, congratulations — you are now an official Compass Foster Carer!
Step 7: Matching You with a Child
Unlike a waiting list, our matching process is active and careful. We don’t just want to fill a bed; we want to create a stable home.
- The Referral: Local Authorities send us profiles of children needing care.
- The Review: Our Placements Team reviews these profiles against your skills and preferences (age, gender, etc.).
- The Choice: We discuss the potential match with you. You will be given all known information about the child’s history and needs before you agree. You always have the right to say no if you feel a referral isn’t the right fit.
Step 4
Allowances, Pay & Benefits
We know that financial worries can be a barrier to fostering. It is important to be realistic: fostering is a professional role, and you need to be able to support your family.
The Fostering Allowance
Compass offers a competitive fostering allowance. This payment is made up of two parts:
- Maintenance Element: To cover the costs of caring for the child (food, clothing, pocket money, heating, etc.).
- Reward Element: A fee paid to you for your time, skills and hard work.
Whilst amounts vary depending on the child’s age and needs, our carers typically receive a generous weekly sum that allows them to focus on the child rather than financial stress.
Tax Relief
Foster carers in the UK also benefit from a specific tax scheme called Qualifying Care Relief. This means that for many carers, the income they receive from fostering is largely (or entirely) tax-free.
Step 5
Support & Training: The Compass Difference
Why choose Compass over a Local Authority or another agency? The answer is support. Fostering can be challenging, and we ensure you never feel alone.
Your Support Network
- Supervising Social Worker (SSW): You will have a dedicated SSW who visits you regularly (usually monthly) to offer guidance and supervision.
- 24/7 Support Line: Our offices might close at 5 pm, but fostering doesn’t. We have a dedicated out-of-hours line staffed by qualified social workers, available 365 days a year.
- Support Groups: We run local support groups where you can meet other carers in your area, share experiences, and have a coffee!
Ongoing Training
Your learning doesn’t stop after approval. We offer a catalogue of specialist training courses to help you grow, including:
- Caring for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people (UASC)
- Supporting parents and children
- Caring for children with disabilities and other support needs
- Understanding neurodiversity, learning disabilities and difficulties
- Therapeutically caring for children.
Step 6
Already Fostering? Transfer to Compass
If you are currently fostering with another agency or local authority but feel you need more support, you have the right to move.
We follow the Fostering Network Transfer Protocol to ensure any move is handled professionally and safely, prioritising the welfare of any children in your care.
Better Support: Join a team that offers wrap-around 24/7 support.
Therapeutic Focus: Access our internal therapeutic services.
Fast-Track: As an experienced carer, your assessment is streamlined.
Read our full Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I foster if I have pets?
Yes. Having pets does not prevent you from becoming a foster parent. In many cases, pets can provide comfort and emotional support to foster children. During the assessment, your pet’s temperament and behaviour will be reviewed as part of a standard home safety check.
Do I need to be a British Citizen to foster in the UK?
No. You do not need to be a British citizen to foster. However, you must be a full-time UK resident with indefinite leave to remain. People on temporary visas are not eligible to apply.
Can I choose the age or gender of the child?
Yes. You can share your preferences during the assessment process, including the age, gender, and needs of the child you feel best suited to support. For example, some carers prefer fostering teenagers, whilst others feel more suited to fostering babies. Being flexible can increase the likelihood of placements, but you will never be expected to accept a placement you are not comfortable with.
What if the placement doesn’t work out?
Although fostering agencies carefully match children with suitable carers, not every placement is successful. If a placement breaks down, it will be managed professionally and sensitively, with support provided to both you and the child to ensure a safe transition.
Is the training online or in-person?
Foster carer training is typically delivered through a combination of in-person and online learning. Initial training, such as the Foster Care Foundations course, is usually delivered in person, whilst many ongoing development courses are available online to provide flexibility.
Ready to Start Your Journey as a Foster Parent?
Becoming a foster parent is a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. Whether you are ready to apply today or just want a friendly chat to explore your options, our team is here to support you at every turn.
Join our Compass community today and help us give children the childhood they deserve!
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Fostering isn’t easy. But it’s one of the most important things you can do to transform the life of a child. If you’re ready to explore whether fostering could be right for you – and want to do it with a team that will have your back – we’d like to hear from you.
