Can a family friend become a kinship foster carer?

Yes. A family friend can become a kinship foster carer where they have an existing relationship with the child and are assessed as suitable to care for them. This is usually described as connected person fostering. The child must generally be looked after by the local authority, or be at immediate risk of becoming looked after, and the local authority must consider the placement appropriate for the child’s welfare.

Being known to the child is important, but it does not remove the need for an assessment. The fostering service must establish that you can provide a stable, safe and suitable home, understand the child’s needs and work constructively with the child’s parents, social workers and other professionals.

When might a family friend be considered?

A family friend may be considered when:

• the child cannot safely remain in their current home;
• the local authority is involved in making care arrangements;
• you already know the child and have a meaningful relationship with them;
• living with you is assessed as being in the child’s best interests; and
• you can meet the child’s day-to-day care, emotional, educational and health needs.

A private arrangement between a parent and a family friend is not automatically kinship foster care. If the local authority is not responsible for the child’s care, other arrangements may be more appropriate, such as an informal family arrangement, a child arrangements order or special guardianship. The social worker should explain which legal route applies to the circumstances.

What checks are involved?

You will need to complete suitability checks similar to those required for other foster carers. These can include enhanced criminal record checks for you and relevant members of your household, local authority and social care checks, personal and professional references, identity and financial checks, and a medical assessment. The fostering service will also assess your home and consider whether it is suitable for the child.

The assessment looks at more than your relationship with the child. It may consider your experience of caring for children, understanding of the child’s history, ability to manage behaviour and safeguarding concerns, household relationships, accommodation, support network and willingness to cooperate with contact arrangements. Any information that could affect your suitability should be discussed openly with the assessing social worker.

How does the application process work?

• Speak to the child’s social worker or fostering service and explain your relationship with the child.
• Take part in an initial discussion about the child’s needs, your circumstances and whether a connected person assessment is appropriate.
• Complete the required application and consent forms.
• Attend preparation training and cooperate with the necessary checks.
• Take part in assessment meetings and a home assessment.
• Have the completed assessment considered through the fostering service’s approval process.

The assessing social worker will prepare a report covering your suitability and the proposed placement. A fostering panel may consider the report and make a recommendation, followed by a formal approval decision by the relevant decision-maker. The exact process can vary depending on whether the child needs an urgent temporary placement or a longer-term arrangement.

What if the child needs somewhere to live immediately?

In an urgent situation, a local authority may temporarily approve a connected person as a foster carer under Regulation 24 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010. This is a temporary approval route, not a replacement for the full assessment. Further checks and assessment work will still be needed, and the arrangement must be reviewed in line with the regulations.

What training and support will be available?

Kinship foster carers receive preparation for the practical and emotional demands of fostering. Training may cover safeguarding, safer caring, managing behaviour, trauma and loss, promoting education, first aid, recording information and working with birth parents. You should also receive guidance about the child’s routines, health, education, contact and any specific support needs.

Once approved, you should have access to supervision, reviews, advice from social care professionals and ongoing training. The fostering service should explain who to contact about day-to-day concerns, emergencies, allegations, changes in the child’s needs and disagreements about contact. You should not be expected to manage complex safeguarding or legal issues without professional guidance.

Will a family friend receive an allowance?

Approved kinship foster carers generally receive fostering payments intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for the child and recognise the responsibilities involved. The amount and payment arrangements depend on the fostering service, the child’s needs and the type of placement. Ask for the current allowance policy and a clear explanation of expenses before agreeing to a placement, as payments and eligible costs can differ.

It is also important to clarify practical matters such as transport, school costs, equipment, clothing, activities, childcare and arrangements for contact with the child’s parents. Financial support does not decide whether someone is approved; the child’s safety and welfare remain central to the assessment.

What responsibilities would you have?

As an approved kinship foster carer, you would be responsible for the child’s daily care while the local authority would retain its statutory duties and oversight. You would need to follow the child’s care plan, keep appropriate records, attend meetings and reviews, support education and health appointments, and work within agreed safeguarding and contact arrangements. You may have delegated authority for ordinary decisions, but some decisions will remain with the local authority, the child’s parents or the court.

Approval is not guaranteed simply because you are trusted by the child’s family. However, an established relationship can help the assessment understand the child’s needs and whether you can offer continuity. If you are considering becoming a connected person foster carer, begin by speaking with the child’s social worker or a fostering service that supports kinship placements. Become a Foster Family provides information and guidance across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire, with offices in Droitwich and Stoke and staff located throughout the region.