Can I speak to existing foster carers before choosing an agency?

Speaking with approved foster carers can give you practical insight into fostering that is difficult to obtain from an agency’s written information alone. Their experience may help you understand the assessment process, day-to-day responsibilities, training, support and how fostering affects household routines before you decide whether to apply.

Ask the agency whether it can introduce you to one or more foster carers. It may choose carers whose circumstances are broadly relevant to yours, such as their experience of fostering different age groups or types of placement. You might speak by telephone, online or in person, depending on what has been arranged. The carer’s participation should be voluntary, and the conversation will be subject to their availability and the need to protect confidential information.

A foster carer should not disclose identifying details about children in their care, including names, photographs, schools, locations or personal histories. Do not expect a complete account of a particular child or placement. Instead, focus on the carer’s general experience and what they have learned about fostering.

Useful questions include:

• What did the assessment and approval process involve from your perspective?
• What training did you complete before approval, and what further learning have you undertaken?
• What support do you receive from your supervising social worker and the wider fostering team?
• How are you supported when a placement is challenging or circumstances change?
• How much planning and communication takes place before a child is placed with you?
• What records, meetings and other responsibilities form part of fostering?
• How has fostering affected family life, work, holidays and relationships?
• What do you wish you had understood before starting the assessment?

It is also reasonable to ask how allowances are explained, although the agency should provide the formal information about payments, expenses and any conditions that apply. A foster carer can describe how financial arrangements work in practice, but their circumstances may not be the same as yours.

Try to speak to more than one carer where possible. Experiences vary according to the type of fostering, the children placed, household circumstances and the level of experience the carer has. A single conversation should not be treated as a guarantee of what your own fostering journey will be, either positively or negatively.

Use the conversation to assess whether the agency gives carers clear information and meaningful support. Notice whether the carer can discuss both the rewarding and demanding aspects of the role without being prompted. You can also ask how feedback from carers is gathered and how concerns are dealt with. These questions may reveal more about the working relationship than general statements about support.

Speaking with a foster carer does not replace the agency’s formal pre-application information or assessment. You should still ask the agency about eligibility, the approval stages, placement types, training, supervision, out-of-pocket expenses, allowances and the expectations placed on everyone in your household. Compare the answers with what the carer has described and ask for clarification where they differ.

If an agency cannot arrange a conversation, that does not by itself show that it is unsuitable; confidentiality, consent and the carers’ personal circumstances may make introductions difficult. You can ask whether it offers another way to hear carers’ views, while making sure that any information you rely on comes directly from the agency and is sufficiently detailed for you to make an informed decision.