Can I speak to current foster carers before choosing an agency?
Yes, you can ask a fostering agency whether you may speak with approved foster carers before deciding to apply. Subject to the carer’s agreement and privacy considerations, they may share practical insights into the assessment process, training, support and day-to-day fostering.
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Speaking with current foster carers is a useful part of assessing whether an agency’s approach suits you. An agency will normally arrange an introduction only with the carer’s consent, while protecting their privacy and the confidentiality of the children in their care.
A conversation with an experienced carer can help you understand how the agency operates in practice, rather than relying only on written information. It should complement, not replace, your discussions with the agency’s fostering team and your own checks of its policies and procedures.
You could ask the carer about:
- How clearly the agency explained the assessment and approval stages.
- Whether the preparation training reflected the realities of caring for children who may have experienced disruption, trauma or loss.
- How they communicate with their supervising social worker and other members of the support team.
- What happens when they need advice about a placement, behaviour, contact arrangements or safeguarding concerns.
- How the agency involves foster carers in decisions about potential placements.
- Whether they feel listened to when raising concerns or asking for additional support.
- How fostering affects household routines, relationships, work and other responsibilities.
- What they wish they had understood before beginning the assessment.
Ask for practical examples, while recognising that the carer must not disclose identifying information about a child or discuss confidential case details. A responsible agency should set clear boundaries for the conversation and should not pressure a carer to reveal private information.
It is also helpful to speak to more than one foster carer where possible. Experiences vary according to the type of fostering, the age and needs of children placed, household circumstances and the length of time someone has been approved. One person’s experience should not be treated as a guarantee of what your own fostering journey will involve.
Pay attention not only to what the carer says, but also to whether they can describe the agency’s support arrangements clearly. You should be able to ask the agency follow-up questions about anything that is unclear, including out-of-pocket expenses, training expectations, recording requirements, supervision and how concerns are escalated. Financial support and allowances should be explained directly by the agency, as arrangements can depend on the placement and current policy.
If an agency cannot arrange a conversation with a current carer, that does not automatically mean it is unsuitable. Carers may decline, or confidentiality and safeguarding considerations may make an introduction inappropriate. However, you can ask whether the agency offers another way to hear independent carer perspectives, such as an information event or a general discussion that does not involve confidential details.
Before choosing, compare the carer’s account with the information provided during your enquiry, training and assessment discussions. Consider whether the agency gives specific, consistent answers; explains both the responsibilities and support involved; and gives you enough information to make a decision without pressure. You remain free to speak with several fostering agencies before deciding where, or whether, to apply.
A fostering agency should arrange any introduction in a way that protects the current carer’s personal information. This usually means the agency makes the initial contact rather than giving you the carer’s telephone number or email address. You can ask whether the discussion will be a direct conversation, an information event or a question-and-answer session, and what information will be shared beforehand.
It is also reasonable to ask whether the carer has volunteered to take part and whether they can speak in their own words. A current carer should not be expected to endorse the agency or disclose confidential information. If you would prefer to ask a question privately, you can raise this with the fostering team, which may be able to provide an anonymised answer or explain the relevant policy. These arrangements help you hear a realistic perspective without compromising the carer’s privacy or the child’s confidentiality.
Ask to speak with a current foster carer
Contact Become A Foster Family to discuss your questions and find out how to take the next step towards fostering.