What costs should I expect during the fostering application process?

Fostering applications do not usually involve a fee simply to submit your application, but you may face personal or incidental expenses while the agency assesses your suitability. The exact position depends on the fostering agency, your circumstances and the arrangements for checks, training and assessment, so request a clear explanation before proceeding.

The application process normally includes an initial discussion, background checks, health information, preparation training, home visits and a formal assessment. Some of these activities may be arranged and paid for directly by the agency. Others may require you to pay first, provide documents or travel to a particular location. Ask whether each expense is covered, reimbursed or your responsibility, and when any reimbursement would be made.

Possible costs to discuss include:

• Travel: journeys to training, meetings, medical appointments or other assessment activities may create fuel, public transport, parking or accommodation costs.
• Time away from work: you may need to arrange annual leave, unpaid leave or flexible working to attend training, interviews and home visits. Consider the effect on your household income before making a commitment.
• Childcare or caring arrangements: if you have children or care for another person, you may need to arrange cover while attending sessions or meetings.
• Documents and administration: there may be costs connected with obtaining replacement documents, certified copies, photographs or other information if these are needed for your assessment.
• Medical-related expenses: ask whether any part of the health assessment is paid by the agency, arranged through an existing NHS or private service, or payable by you.
• Home preparation: the agency should explain any safety or suitability changes it expects before approval. Do not assume that you need to buy equipment, redecorate or make alterations before you have received specific advice.

A reputable agency should explain its costs clearly and distinguish between expenses associated with assessing you and the ordinary costs of preparing your household for fostering. It should also tell you whether payment is made directly by the agency, whether you must retain receipts, and whether there is a limit or approval process for reimbursement.

Before applying, ask the agency for written answers to practical questions such as:

• Is there any application, assessment or training fee?
• Which checks and appointments will the agency arrange and pay for?
• Will I need to pay for any checks or appointments initially?
• Which travel, parking, accommodation or childcare expenses can be claimed?
• What evidence must I provide, such as receipts or mileage records?
• Are there expenses that cannot be reimbursed?
• Could costs change if the assessment takes longer or additional information is needed?
• Who should I speak to if I am concerned about affording an assessment-related expense?

It is also important to separate application costs from fostering payments. Allowances and other financial arrangements generally relate to caring for a child after approval and placement; they should not be treated as money available to fund the assessment process. Ask the agency to explain when financial support begins, what it is intended to cover and which costs remain the foster carer’s responsibility. Amounts and arrangements can vary, so rely on current information provided by the agency rather than older online discussions.

You should not feel pressured to pay an unexplained charge or purchase services before the assessment has been properly discussed. If a cost is unclear, ask for its purpose, whether it is compulsory and what alternatives exist. Keep copies of written information and receipts throughout the process. Become a Foster Family can explain the costs that may arise in your circumstances and the financial support available at the relevant stage of your fostering journey, so you can make an informed decision before applying.