Who can apply for long-term fostering?

Eligibility for long-term fostering is based on whether you can meet a child’s needs consistently over an extended period. The assessment considers your age, health, home life, relationships, household circumstances, background and ability to work with professionals, rather than relying on one single factor.

Applicants generally need to be at least 21 years old. There is no standard upper age limit, but you must have the physical and emotional capacity to provide dependable care for the duration of a placement. Your health will be considered through medical information, with the focus on how your circumstances may affect day-to-day caring responsibilities.

You will need to have suitable accommodation, including a bedroom that can be used by the child. The home should provide enough space for privacy, study, belongings and ordinary family life. A property does not need to be owned by you, but permission from a landlord or another relevant party may be needed where applicable. Safety checks will also be carried out on the household and its surroundings.

Your personal circumstances are considered as part of the assessment. This may include:

• your relationships and the stability of your household;
• the views and needs of other children or adults living with you;
• your employment, finances and ability to manage the practical demands of fostering;
• your experience of caring for, supporting or working with children;
• your understanding of children’s backgrounds, identity, culture and family relationships;
• any pets, smoking or other household factors that could affect a child’s safety; and
• your willingness to communicate openly with social workers, schools, health professionals and the child’s birth family where this is appropriate.

All adults in the household will normally be involved in the assessment. They need to understand what long-term fostering involves and agree to the impact it may have on family routines, privacy and responsibilities. If you are applying with a partner, both applicants are assessed, including how you share care and make decisions.

Background checks form an important part of the process. These usually include enhanced criminal record checks for household members and other adults who may have regular contact with the child, along with checks of local authority records and references. A previous conviction or difficult period in your history does not automatically mean you cannot apply, but relevant information must be disclosed and assessed carefully. Some offences may prevent approval, particularly those involving children or serious harm.

Long-term fostering also requires a realistic understanding of the commitment. A child may need help with attachment, trauma, education, behaviour, contact with relatives or changes in their care plan. Applicants should be able to offer patience, predictable boundaries and a willingness to learn. You are not expected to have all the answers before applying, but you will need to engage with training and use professional advice when a child’s needs are complex.

The application normally involves an initial discussion, an application form, checks, references, health information, home visits and a detailed assessment. You will be asked about your motivation, experience, support network and approach to caring. Preparation training helps you consider the effects of fostering, including safer care, safeguarding, identity and working with birth families. An independent fostering panel then considers the completed assessment before a decision is made about approval.

Approval does not mean that every long-term placement will be suitable. Once approved, information about a child’s needs, history, relationships and likely future plans is considered alongside your skills, household and capacity. You should have the opportunity to ask questions and consider whether a proposed match is right before accepting it.

Approved carers receive ongoing supervision, advice and training. Financial allowances are also provided to contribute towards the costs of caring for a child, with the amount depending on the fostering arrangement and current scheme. During the assessment, ask how support, training, fees and allowances work in practice so you can make an informed decision.

If you are unsure whether your circumstances meet the basic criteria, an initial conversation with a fostering service can clarify the position before you decide whether to proceed. Be open about your household, health, background and practical situation from the beginning; full information allows the assessment to focus on suitability and on the type of long-term placement that could be appropriate.