Does everyone in my household need to support my fostering application?

No. A fostering application is made by the person or people who intend to foster, but the fostering service must assess how the proposed arrangement will affect everyone living in the home. Their involvement may include discussions, safeguarding checks, training or sharing their views, depending on their age and circumstances.

Adult household members

An adult partner, relative, lodger or other person who lives in the household will usually need to be open about their relationship with the applicant and their views about fostering. The fostering service may carry out appropriate checks, including criminal record and safeguarding checks, because adults in the home may have contact with a foster child. Their health, lifestyle, relationships and ability to respect confidentiality may also be relevant to the assessment.

This does not mean an adult household member becomes a foster carer. However, strong or unresolved opposition can affect the application. Fostering changes the use of family space, household routines and the level of privacy at home. The assessment needs to establish that adults can work safely together, follow the safer-care arrangements and support the child without creating conflict or instability.

Children and young people in the household

Children living at home should have their views considered in an age-appropriate way. They may be asked how they feel about sharing their home, having a child or young person staying with the family, and changes to routines or attention from adults. They should be given clear, understandable information and an opportunity to raise worries privately.

A child in the household does not apply to foster, but their views are important. A fostering service will consider whether any concerns can be addressed through preparation, practical arrangements or additional support. Children should not be pressured to give a positive answer, and the assessment should take account of their wellbeing as well as the needs of a prospective foster child.

What household involvement may include

• Talking with the assessing social worker during home visits or other assessment meetings.
• Discussing expectations about routines, bedrooms, privacy, visitors, belongings and family activities.
• Learning about confidentiality, safeguarding, boundaries and what to do if a concern arises.
• Taking part in preparation training where this is appropriate.
• Agreeing how the household will respond to contact with the child’s birth family, professionals and the fostering service.

The exact arrangements depend on who lives in the home, the proposed fostering role and the fostering service’s requirements. People who do not live at the address but spend significant time there, such as regular overnight visitors, may also need to be discussed because of the contact they could have with a foster child.

If someone is unsure or does not agree

Disagreement should be raised early rather than hidden during the assessment. It may reflect a practical concern, a misunderstanding about fostering or a genuine feeling that the household is not ready. The assessing social worker can explore the issue, explain the responsibilities involved and consider whether changes would make the arrangement safer and more workable.

If a significant concern remains unresolved, the application may need to pause or may not be recommended. This is not a punishment for the household member; it reflects the requirement to consider the safety and stability of everyone involved. Before applying, discuss fostering openly with the people who live with you and ask the fostering team how their views and checks will be included in your circumstances.