Guiding you through fostering—
answers to the questions that matter most.
Feel free to contact us to any questions about fostering. We are always happy to help.
What is the difference between fostering & adoption?
Fostering provides a temporary home for a child who can’t live with their birth family.Parental responsibility is shared with the local authority.The goal is often reunification, though some children may stay longer or move on to adoption.Foster carers are part of a team and receive full training and support.
Placements can last days, months, or years.
Adoption is a permanent legal arrangement.All parental rights transfer to the adoptive parents.The child becomes a full, permanent family member.
Adoptive parents are solely responsible for the child’s care and future.
How do I prepare my birth children?
This is a common question for families with biological children, and the approach often depends on their age and individual needs. Fostering can have a deeply positive impact on the whole household—your children can play an important part in helping a foster child feel welcomed, supported, and at ease.
It’s important to have open conversations with your children about what fostering involves. Help them understand that while foster children may only stay for a time, the care and kindness your family offers can leave a lasting impression on their lives.
How long does the assessment process take?
We aim to complete the assessment process within 3 to 6 months. During this time, we’ll carry out essential background checks and references to ensure you're well-suited to care for vulnerable children and young people. These steps are important and may take time to complete.
You'll work closely with an independent assessor to develop your 'Form F'—a comprehensive document that will be presented to the fostering panel. It includes information about your household, personal history, life experiences, and thoughtful reflections to help build a full picture of your suitability to foster.
Do I need to stop working?
You don’t need to give up your job to become a foster parent.
Many people successfully balance their job with fostering responsibilities.
What matters most is that you can offer the time, care, and attention needed to meet the child’s needs. With the right support and flexibility, fostering can work alongside your career.
We’ll work with you to ensure you have the resources and guidance to make it all fit.
Do I need any qualifications?
No formal qualifications are needed. You’ll receive full training and ongoing support from our team before and after you're approved.
At Rising Stars Fostering, we provide full training, both before and after approval, to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way. You'll also have 24/7 support from a team who understands the journey.
We believe foster carers grow with experience, and we’ll be right beside you through it all.
Do foster carers get paid?
Yes—foster carers receive a weekly allowance designed to cover the cost of caring for a child, including essentials like food, clothing, travel, and activities. In many cases, carers also receive a professional fee in recognition of their time, dedication, and the vital role they play in a child’s life.
At Rising Stars Fostering, we ensure our carers are fairly compensated and fully supported. Our allowances reflect the responsibility of fostering and help ensure you can provide a stable, nurturing environment without financial strain.
Fostering is a commitment of the heart—and we believe carers deserve to be valued both emotionally and practically.
Do I need to own my home?
No — you can foster whether you own or rent, as long as your home is stable and has a spare bedroom for a foster child.
What matters most is that you have a safe, stable, and welcoming environment — and a spare bedroom for a child or young person. Whether you're renting privately, living in council or housing association accommodation, or own your home, fostering can still be an option.
Here at Rising Stars Fostering, we’ll look at the bigger picture — your ability to care, listen, nurture, and provide a secure place for a child to grow.
Can I choose which child to foster?
At Rising Stars Fostering, we believe that successful placements begin with meaningful connections. That’s why we take the time to match you with children based on your strengths, preferences, experience, and the unique dynamics of your household. We want every placement to feel right—for you and for the child.
You’ll receive detailed referrals for children we believe could be a good fit, considering factors like age, needs, location, and your availability. You’ll always have the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarity, and—most importantly—decline a placement if it doesn’t feel right for you. There’s no pressure, only partnership.
Our goal is to create stable, nurturing environments where children can thrive and carers feel confident and supported. With every referral, we’re not just matching homes—we’re building futures.
Do I need to have a driving license to foster?
Although having a driving licence isn’t mandatory, it is often strongly recommended. Requirements can vary, as each agency sets its own policy regarding whether foster carers need to drive.
If you’re unable to drive, we will also consider your proximity to reliable public transport.
In cases where public transport is not easily accessible, we may ask if you’re willing to use a taxi service when necessary. While this is not the preferred option, our priority is always the safety, wellbeing, and timely support of the children in our care.
Can you be single and foster?
This is a question we hear often—and it’s completely understandable. Many people worry that being single might prevent them from becoming a foster parent, but rest assured, you absolutely can foster as a single carer.
If you're thinking about starting your fostering journey and wondering whether being single is a barrier, here are a few key things to keep in mind.
Meeting the key requirements is what matters most. Whether you're single, married, or in a partnership, you have the potential to be an incredible foster carer.
The difference between an Independent Fostering Agency v Local Authority
When a child enters the care system, they become the legal responsibility of the local authority. The authority will aim to place the child with a foster family that can meet their individual needs—whether that involves specialist support or living within a specific geographical area to maintain community ties.
Fostering allowances differ across local authorities and independent agencies. While all carers receive financial support to cover the cost of care, independent fostering agencies often offer higher fees than those provided by local councils, reflecting the level of support and training they deliver.
Can foster children share a bedroom?
In most circumstances, foster children are expected to have their own bedroom to ensure they have a private, secure space of their own. However, there are some exceptions. Same-sex siblings who have previously shared a room and feel comfortable continuing to do so may be permitted to share. Additionally, children of opposite genders under the age of eight may share a bedroom, but once they reach eight, separate rooms are required.
All foster carers must have a spare bedroom available to accommodate a child in their care.
