FAQs
Is there an age limit for fostering? There is no upper age limit for fostering, but you need to be fit enough to care for the children. Younger people need to be mature enough to cope with the responsibility.
How long does it take to become an approved foster carer? To become an approved foster carer for TACT usually takes about five to six months from when you first make the enquiry. The same process can take a year for local authorities’ fostering services and other agencies.
Can foster children share a bedroom with other children? Foster children must have their own bedrooms. The only time foster children are allowed to share a room is if they are same-sex siblings and if the carer is approved for this and has the space.
What age will the children be? The children can be any age from 0-18. It is better if you can take as wide an age range as possible as we are more likely to be able to place a child with you.
Will I have to take the children to school? Yes, but if there is a problem, we will investigate ways of managing this.
Am I allowed to go abroad on holiday if I have a foster child? A foster child can be taken on holiday with the agreement of the local authority, which is responsible for placing the child, but some children are not allowed to be taken out of the country due to their immigration status.
Are the children disabled? Will I have to have disabled children? Some of the foster children are disabled, but you will only be expected to look after children you are able to care for. If you are particularly interested in fostering a child with a disability, TACT will support you in doing this.
Will I have to allow the child’s parents to visit them in my home? A full risk assessment will be carried out before any decision is made on this. You may be required to take and collect the children for contact with their parents.
Do I have to have a childcare qualification? No, but it would be extremely useful if you have experience of looking after children. We provide training in the issues around fostering.
Will my spouse/partner also need to be assessed? Yes, if you are living together you will both need to be assessed and you will both need to attend the Skills to Foster training.
How much training will I have to do? Initially, you will be required to complete the Skills to Foster training, which is a three-day compulsory course (either mid-week or at weekends). After this, foster carers are required to complete 21 hours of training and personal development per year. This is a national requirement. New carers are also requested to undertake the Children’s Workforce Development Council induction standards in their first year as foster carers. TACT arranges various training courses throughout the year at its offices.
Do I have to own my own home to foster? No, but you must not have rent arrears. You need a stable home for a foster child with no risk of eviction. References will be taken up with the landlord if rented, or if living in a mortgaged property, with the bank.
Am I able to foster if I am working? You will need to be flexible around the needs of the children in placement. It will be difficult to foster a child if you have a demanding full time job.
How much will I get paid for looking after a child? There is information about the current rates of foster care allowances in this information pack.
Will I get paid if I have no placements? No. We cannot guarantee placements.
Will I have to pay extra tax if I receive money for fostering? Foster carers in the UK do not pay tax on their income from fostering, up to a maximum of £10,000 plus allowances.
What is the difference between independent agencies and social services fostering? In both cases, you will foster children, either directly employed by the local authority, or employed by an agency. If you foster for TACT, we will give you a great deal of support with frequent visits from your supervising social worker, high-quality training and 24 hour telephone support from our duty social worker.
