- Fostering and adoption are legally and practically very different
- You can apply for both - but not simultaneously
- Some foster carers adopt the children they have been fostering
- Fostering-to-adopt (FtA) is a specific pathway for approved carers
- Key difference: adoption is permanent; fostering is temporary by default
People often explore fostering and adoption together, sometimes unsure which route suits them better. They are fundamentally different commitments - but they are not mutually exclusive over a lifetime of caring.
The Core Difference
| Fostering | Adoption |
|---|---|
| Child remains in care of the state | Legal parental responsibility transfers to you |
| LA retains parental responsibility | You become the legal parent |
| Temporary by default | Permanent |
| Financial support continues | Financial support ends (mostly) |
| Birth family contact often required | Birth family contact at adopters discretion |
| Supervised by agency | No ongoing agency oversight |
Fostering to Adopt
Fostering to Adopt (FtA) is a programme where prospective adopters are approved as both foster carers and adopters simultaneously, to allow them to care for a child before adoption orders are made. FtA carers take on genuine risk - the adoption may not proceed if the court orders reunification with the birth family.
When Foster Carers Choose to Adopt
Some foster carers apply to adopt the specific child they have been fostering. This requires the agreement of the local authority and is more common than many people realise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adoption or fostering better for a child?
Neither is universally better - it depends on the child's circumstances, age, and likely long-term plan. Adoption provides permanence that fostering cannot guarantee by its structure.
Do adopters receive financial support?
Adoption allowances exist but are much less consistent than fostering allowances. Most adopters do not receive ongoing financial support once the adoption order is made.
Can I foster while waiting to adopt?
This depends on where you are in the adoption process. Some agencies actively encourage prospective adopters to gain experience by fostering first.