Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions most people ask first.
Explore the essentials about eligibility, assessment, family life, transfers, payments and support. If your question is personal, the team will talk it through confidentially.
About fostering
The role and the people who can apply.
What is fostering?
Fostering means caring for a child as part of your family when they cannot live with their birth family. It may be needed for one night, a period of months or until adulthood.
Who can apply?
People from every background can apply. You must usually be over 21, have the right to live and work in the UK, and have a spare bedroom available for a child.
Is there a maximum age?
There is no fixed upper age limit. The assessment considers your health, energy and ability to meet a child’s needs.
Do I need previous experience with children?
No. Experience is useful but not essential. Your wider life skills, capacity to learn and preparation training are also important.
Can I foster if I am single?
Yes. A strong support network and enough practical availability will be explored as part of the assessment.
Can I foster if I rent?
Yes, with your landlord’s permission and a suitable, stable home with a spare bedroom.
Can I foster and work?
It can be possible depending on working hours, flexibility, your household and the age and needs of the child.
Application and assessment
What happens before approval.
How long does the process take?
Organic Fostering aims to complete a standard assessment in around four to six months, although individual circumstances and checks can affect the timeline.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. There is no application fee to become a foster carer.
What checks are carried out?
Checks normally include enhanced DBS, local authority, medical and home-safety checks, together with personal and professional references.
What is a Form F assessment?
It is the detailed report prepared with your assessing social worker. It considers your life story, relationships, strengths, experience, support network and suitability to foster.
What happens at panel?
An independent group reviews your assessment and asks you questions before making a recommendation to the agency decision-maker.
Placements and support
Life after approval.
How are children matched with families?
The team compares the child’s care plan, identity and support needs with your family profile, skills, location, preferences and capacity. You receive information and take part in the decision.
What support will I receive?
Support includes a supervising social worker, regular supervision, 24/7 advice, ongoing training, professional input and opportunities to connect with other fostering families.
Do foster carers receive an allowance?
Yes. Payments include an amount for the child’s day-to-day costs and a fee recognising the carer’s skills and commitment. The exact amount depends on the placement.
Will I get breaks?
Planned respite may be available when it is appropriate for the child and agreed as part of the support plan.
Transferring agency
Questions from experienced foster carers.
Can I transfer with a child in placement?
Yes, where the move is agreed to be in the child’s best interests. A transfer protocol meeting brings together the child’s local authority, your current provider and Organic Fostering.
Do I need another assessment?
Yes. A new Form F assessment is normally required, but existing information and your experience can help the process move efficiently.
Do I resign before making an enquiry?
No. You can have an initial confidential conversation first. Formal notification and resignation happen at the appropriate stage of the transfer process.
Take the first step
Could fostering be part of your story?
Ask your questions in a relaxed, confidential conversation with our Manchester team.