What should I ask a fostering agency before applying?

Before applying to a fostering agency, ask questions that reveal how it assesses applicants, prepares and supports foster carers, manages placements and handles practical matters such as payments, training and concerns. The aim is to understand what fostering with that agency involves and whether its approach matches your circumstances, expectations and ability to provide consistent care.

Questions about the agency

• Is the organisation an independent fostering agency or a local authority fostering service?
• Which types of fostering does the agency offer, such as short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, or specialist placements?
• What ages and needs do the children and young people usually require placements for?
• How does the agency decide whether a placement is suitable for a particular household?
• What information can you provide about the agency’s latest inspection report, and where can I read it?
• What are the agency’s policies for safeguarding, complaints, allegations and disagreements between carers and professionals?
• Who would be responsible for supervising and supporting me after approval?

Ask for clear explanations rather than relying only on general descriptions. An agency should be able to explain its responsibilities, the responsibilities of the local authority placing the child, and what it expects from foster carers. It should also explain how professionals work together around the child, including social workers, education staff, health professionals and the child’s family where appropriate.

Questions about eligibility and assessment

• Based on my household and circumstances, are there any eligibility issues I should understand before applying?
• What checks and references will be required?
• How will you assess my home, relationships, health, finances, employment and support network?
• What information must be disclosed about criminal records, previous involvement with children’s services or other relevant matters?
• How are existing children in the household involved in the assessment?
• What happens if circumstances change during the assessment?
• Who will complete the assessment, and how will I be able to contribute my views and correct factual errors?
• What happens if the agency decides not to recommend me for approval, and what review or appeals process is available?

The assessment is not simply a check of whether you have a spare bedroom. It considers whether your household can provide safe, stable and appropriate care, how fostering may affect everyone living in the home, and whether you can work constructively with professionals and the child’s family. Ask the agency to explain the assessment stages, the documents you will need and the decisions that must be made before an application can proceed.

Questions about training and preparation

• What training must I complete before approval?
• What subjects are covered, including safeguarding, trauma, attachment, behaviour, first aid, online safety and safer caring?
• Is training delivered in person, online or through a combination of methods?
• What happens if I need additional help to understand or complete the training?
• What ongoing training is required after approval?
• How is training arranged around work, family responsibilities and the needs of a current placement?

Training should help you understand the effects that abuse, neglect, separation and uncertainty may have on a child’s behaviour and development. Ask whether training is linked to the types of placements you may consider and how the agency identifies further learning needs after approval.

Questions about support after approval

• How often would I have supervision with a supervising social worker?
• What support is available during a placement, including advice about behaviour, education, health and contact arrangements?
• How are foster carers supported when a child’s needs become more complex?
• What support is available between placements?
• How does the agency help carers maintain records and prepare reports?
• What happens if I disagree with a decision about a placement or feel that my concerns are not being addressed?
• How can I contact the team responsible for supporting me, and what arrangements apply for urgent safeguarding concerns?

Ask specifically about support between placements as well as support while a child is living with you. You should understand who provides practical advice, how supervision is recorded, how concerns are escalated and how the agency helps carers access independent advice when necessary. It is also reasonable to ask how the agency supports the wider household, including birth children and other adults involved in fostering.

Questions about placements and matching

• How are potential placements introduced and what information will I receive before agreeing?
• Will I be told about a child’s known history, needs, routines, risks, education, health and family contact arrangements?
• How much say will I have in deciding whether a placement is suitable?
• What happens if the information provided before placement is incomplete or changes later?
• How are introductions and transitions managed?
• What happens if a placement is not working or cannot safely continue?
• How does the agency involve me in planning for reunification, a move to another placement, adoption or independence where relevant?

A responsible matching process considers the child’s needs and your household’s capacity, experience, skills and existing commitments. Ask how the agency avoids placing a child when the risks or support requirements are beyond what you can safely manage. You should not feel pressured to accept a placement before you have enough information to make an informed decision.

Questions about payments and costs

• What fostering allowance or other payments are available, and what do they cover?
• How are payments calculated and when are they reviewed?
• Are there different payment arrangements for different types of placement or levels of need?
• Which costs are covered separately, such as clothing, travel, activities, equipment, birthdays or education?
• What happens to payments during holidays, respite, unplanned endings or gaps between placements?
• Are there any costs that I would need to meet myself?
• What guidance is available on tax, benefits, insurance and financial record-keeping?

Payment arrangements can vary and may change, so ask for the current information in writing rather than relying on an informal explanation. Clarify whether an amount is an allowance intended to meet the child’s expenses, a fee for the carer’s role, or a combination of both. Independent financial and tax advice may be appropriate for your personal circumstances.

Questions about policies, rights and responsibilities

• What safer caring rules will apply in my household?
• What restrictions or expectations apply to transport, holidays, overnight stays, visitors, social media, photography and contact with family members?
• How are foster carers involved in decisions about education, health care, activities and contact?
• What records must I keep, and how are confidential documents stored?
• How does the agency respond if an allegation is made against a foster carer?
• What is the process for making a complaint, and can I access independent support?
• What happens if I want to take a break from fostering, transfer agency or stop fostering?

These questions help you understand the professional and legal responsibilities involved in fostering. Ask to see relevant written policies where possible, particularly those covering safeguarding, allegations, complaints, safer caring and confidentiality. You should know how to raise a concern before you need to do so.

How to judge the answers

Compare agencies on the detail and consistency of their answers, not just on the payment offered or the number of placements available. Look for explanations that are specific, realistic and suited to the type of fostering you are considering. Be cautious if an agency avoids questions, gives unclear information about support, minimises the demands of fostering, or suggests that approval or placement is guaranteed.

Take notes during each conversation and request important information in writing. Consider speaking to an approved foster carer through the agency, while remembering that one carer’s experience may not represent every placement or household. Discuss the answers with everyone who would be affected by fostering. If the agency’s approach is clear, transparent and compatible with your responsibilities, you will be in a stronger position to decide whether to make an application.