What is independent fostering?

The practical difference in independent fostering lies in who employs the fostering service responsible for recruiting, assessing, training and supporting you. An independent fostering agency (IFA) provides that service, while the child’s placing local authority remains involved in planning and overseeing the child’s care. Choosing an IFA therefore means considering the quality and scope of its support, not simply the organisation that completes your assessment.

Independent fostering agencies work with local authorities to identify suitable homes for children and young people. When a child needs a placement, the local authority shares relevant information about their needs, risks, routines, relationships and care plan. The agency then considers whether one of its approved households can meet those needs safely. You should be given enough information to make an informed decision before agreeing to a placement, although information may sometimes be limited where confidentiality or safeguarding requires this.

What does an independent fostering agency do?

• Provides initial information about fostering and the types of placements available.
• Completes the fostering assessment, including checks, references, interviews and a detailed assessment of your household.
• Arranges preparation training so you understand safeguarding, behaviour, trauma, attachment, equality and the practical responsibilities of fostering.
• Presents your assessment to the agency’s fostering panel, where applicable, for a recommendation about approval.
• Makes or confirms the final approval decision through the agency’s procedures.
• Matches placements to your approval, skills, household circumstances and available space.
• Provides supervision, reviews, training and guidance while a child is living with you.
• Works with the local authority, schools, health professionals, birth family and other relevant services around the child.

An IFA does not simply approve a carer and leave them to manage alone. Approved carers normally have an allocated supervising social worker or equivalent professional contact, regular supervision and access to advice when circumstances change. The exact arrangements differ between agencies, so ask how support is delivered, who you contact about a concern, how decisions are recorded and what additional help is available for complex placements.

Who can apply?

Applicants are usually assessed on their ability to provide a safe, stable and suitable home rather than on a single family structure. People may be considered whether they are single, married, in a partnership, working, renting or owning their home, subject to the relevant assessment requirements. You will need suitable space for a child, permission to foster where another organisation has an interest in your home, and sufficient time and flexibility to meet the child’s needs.

Every adult in the household will be considered because fostering affects everyone who lives in or regularly uses the home. The assessment normally explores your health, relationships, parenting or caring experience, motivation, support network, household routines and understanding of safeguarding. Criminal record and other statutory checks are also part of the process. A previous conviction does not automatically determine the outcome, but it must be disclosed and assessed carefully.

How does the application process work?

• Make an initial enquiry and discuss your circumstances, expectations and the types of fostering that may be suitable.
• Complete the agency’s application paperwork and provide the information needed for checks and references.
• Take part in preparation training and assessment meetings, which may include visits to your home and conversations with household members.
• Work with the assessing social worker to complete the assessment report and address any areas requiring further information or preparation.
• Attend or contribute to the fostering panel process where required, after which the agency makes its approval decision.

The process is detailed because approval must be based on evidence that your household can protect and care for a child. It is also a chance for you to decide whether independent fostering is right for you. Ask for an explanation of each stage, the documents you need to provide, how your information is used and what happens if your circumstances change during assessment.

Training, supervision and ongoing development

Preparation does not stop when approval is granted. Foster carers are expected to maintain and develop their knowledge through further training. Topics may include safer caring, managing allegations, supporting education, promoting health, understanding trauma and helping children maintain appropriate relationships with their families. Supervision gives you an opportunity to review the placement, discuss challenges, record decisions and identify further support or training.

Independent fostering can involve caring for children with needs that require specialist knowledge or coordinated professional support. Before accepting a placement, consider whether you understand the child’s known needs, the likely impact on your household, contact arrangements, transport requirements, education arrangements and the support available from the agency and local authority.

Payments and practical responsibilities

Foster carers receive fostering payments intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for a child and recognise the skills and responsibilities involved. The amount and structure vary according to the agency, the child’s needs and the type of placement. Ask for the current allowance and fee information in writing, including what is covered, how payments are reviewed, and what happens during holidays, respite, changes of placement or periods when no child is living with you. You should also obtain independent advice about tax, benefits and any effect on your existing income.

Payments should not be the only basis for choosing an agency. Compare the proposed support package, training, supervision, out-of-hours arrangements stated in the agency’s information, respite options, peer support and approach to allegations or complaints. It is reasonable to ask how the agency learns from incidents and how carers are involved in reviews and decisions affecting a placement.

Become A Foster Family provides information and guidance for people considering independent fostering across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire. Its offices are in Droitwich and Stoke, with staff located across the region to provide local support.