Can you foster a family member who lives outside your household?

A family member may be approved as a kinship foster carer even if the child has not previously lived in their household. This can apply to grandparents, adult siblings, aunts, uncles and other relatives, provided the arrangement is assessed as suitable for that particular child.

The first point to establish is whether the child is being looked after by the local authority. If so, placing the child with a relative may be arranged as kinship or family placement fostering. The relative is assessed and approved through the fostering process, rather than becoming a foster carer simply because they are related to the child. If the child is not in local authority care, the arrangement may instead be a private family arrangement or involve another legal route, such as a child arrangements order or special guardianship. The child’s social worker or family solicitor can explain which route applies.

For a relative to be considered as a foster carer, the assessment will usually examine:

• the existing relationship with the child and the child’s wishes, where their age and understanding make this appropriate;
• the ability to meet the child’s everyday, emotional, educational, cultural and health needs;
• the safety and suitability of the home, including sleeping arrangements and any risks within the household;
• the views and circumstances of other people living in the home;
• health, finances, employment, accommodation and any caring responsibilities that could affect the placement;
• criminal record checks, references and safeguarding information; and
• the ability to work with the local authority, the child’s parents and other professionals.

Being related to the child can provide an important foundation, but it does not remove the need for checks or preparation. The assessment must consider whether the proposed placement is safe and workable in practice. It will also look at whether the relative can manage any difficult family dynamics, maintain appropriate boundaries and support the child’s relationship with their parents when this is in the child’s interests.

Where a child needs to move quickly, a relative may sometimes be considered under temporary approval arrangements while further assessment is completed. This is not automatic. The responsible authority must be satisfied that the immediate arrangement is suitable and must continue the required checks and assessment. A temporary arrangement can also change if the assessment identifies concerns or if the child’s needs are not being met.

The application process normally involves an initial discussion, checks and references, a home visit, preparation or training, and a detailed assessment by a social worker. The assessment is then considered through the relevant fostering approval process. The outcome may be approval, a request for further information, or a decision that the proposed arrangement is not suitable. A decision should be based on the child’s welfare rather than on the family relationship alone.

Approved kinship foster carers receive guidance and supervision relating to the placement. This may include training, a supervising social worker, help with safer caring and contact arrangements, and support with the practical demands of caring for the child. Foster carers may also receive a fostering allowance or other financial support, but the amount and conditions depend on the responsible fostering service and the type of placement. It is important to ask for the current details before making financial plans.

Approval as a foster carer does not usually transfer parental responsibility to the relative. The local authority, the child’s parents and the court may retain or share legal responsibilities depending on the child’s legal status and any court orders in force. The relative should ask the child’s social worker to explain who can make decisions about education, healthcare, travel and contact.

If you are considering caring for a family member who lives elsewhere, gather information about the child’s current legal status, living arrangements, health and education needs, and any existing contact plan. Speak to the child’s social worker or a fostering service before agreeing to a move. This helps ensure that the proposed placement is assessed properly and that everyone understands the support, responsibilities and legal arrangements involved.