12 Common Fostering Myths — Debunked

False. You can foster in rented accommodation, as long as you have your landlord's permission and a spare bedroom for the foster child. Many successful foster carers rent privately or through housing associations. The key is that you have a stable, suitable home — not that you own it.

Not at all. Single people, cohabiting couples, same-sex couples, and married or civil-partnered couples are all equally able to apply to foster. What agencies look for is stability, commitment, and the capacity to care — not a marriage certificate.

There is no upper age limit for fostering. Many people begin fostering in their 50s and 60s, and some continue into their 70s. The average age of a UK foster carer is 51. What matters is that you are in good enough health to meet the needs of a child.

It depends on the type of fostering. For long-term fostering you may need to be available full time, but many forms — respite fostering, short breaks, or fostering teenagers in education — are compatible with working. Agencies will discuss your employment situation as part of the assessment.

All foster carers in the UK receive a weekly fostering allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child. Independent fostering agency carers also receive a professional fee on top. Depending on the age of the child and the agency, total weekly pay can range from £168 to over £800 per child.

Most foster carers pay little or no income tax due to HMRC's Qualifying Care Relief (QCR) scheme, which gives every approved foster carer a tax-free threshold of £18,140 per year, plus additional relief per child per week. The majority of foster carers — especially those with IFAs — have a nil tax liability.

Having your own children is not a barrier to fostering — and for some placements it is actually considered an advantage. Agencies will assess the impact on your existing children and ensure any placement is suitable for your whole family. The age range of foster placement is typically matched to suit your household.

Some placements are short-term by design, but many lead to long-term or permanent arrangements. Some foster carers go on to adopt their foster child. The emotional demands are real, but most carers say the rewards significantly outweigh the challenges — and training and support help you navigate transitions.

Foster carers are ordinary people from all walks of life. Agencies are looking for warmth, stability, patience and commitment — not superhuman qualities. Over 90% of people who make an initial enquiry meet the basic requirements. If you have been wondering whether you could do it, the honest answer is: you probably can.

Children come into foster care for many reasons, and their needs vary hugely — from relatively straightforward short-term placements to more complex specialist care. Many foster children thrive quickly in a stable, caring environment. Agencies provide training to help you understand and respond to trauma-informed care.

The typical fostering approval process takes 4–6 months from initial enquiry to panel approval. This includes a Skills to Foster training course and a Form F assessment. It is thorough by design — but not prohibitively long. You could be an approved foster carer by the end of the year.

IFAs operate as charities or regulated businesses — like any sector, there is huge variation. Many IFAs are charity-run with excellent Ofsted ratings. The key advantage of IFAs over LAs for carers is higher pay and more dedicated support. Regulators (Ofsted, CIW, Care Inspectorate) inspect all agencies.