Fostering FAQ's - answers to our most commonly asked fostering questions

Fostering differs to adoption in that in cases of fostering, the local authority retains legal responsibility for the child. Where a child is adopted, the legal responsibility for the child is passed to the adoptive parents.

As part of the foster carer application process, we would need to conduct checks on members of your household over 18. Whether your partner having a criminal conviction prevents you from fostering, will depend on the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. We would encourage you to disclose this information early on in your application so we can discuss it with you.

At DMR Fostering Services, we understand that working is part of a normal family life; so it is sometimes possible to foster a child and work full time. This does however depend on the needs of the child.

As part of your application to become an approved foster carer with us, we will need to ask you a range of fostering assessment questions. Some of these fostering assessment questions will relate to your childhood, past experiences, relationships, work history, your health and any personal interests you may have among others. Our fostering team can talk to you in more detail about this by calling them on 0121 352 1844, or you can find more information in our foster carer application section.

There are a few foster carer requirements you need to know about when considering joining our team as an approved foster carer. It’s important that you have a spare room, as foster children will need a space they can call their own. You also need to be over the age of 21, and have either British citizenship or permanent leave to stay in the UK. In addition to this, we are looking for both couples and individuals who have a caring nature, and are willing to commit to the children in their care. Take a look at our ‘who can foster‘ section for more information.

The process to becoming a foster carer takes between three and six months. Once approved, you can begin accepting placements straight away.

We receive information regarding foster care placements directly from the local authority. We gather as much information as we can from the local authority, before then discussing it with you. After this, you can then accept or decline the foster placement. Sometimes in cases where a child needs to be placed with a foster carer in an emergency situation, we may have little information initially. Our fostering team will work with you and the local authority to share information as quickly as possible.

Fostering placements can last anywhere from one night, or until the child is at care leaving age. This depends on the type of fostering placement.

Fostering a child is extremely rewarding, but it can also have its challenges. We understand this, and that’s why we ensure all of foster carers have access to our 24/7 support system. As one of the few fostering providers in the UK with an accredited learning centre status, we also ensure our foster carers have access to the latest training and skill development opportunities.

Foster carers are paid when they have a placement. The UK Government is responsible for setting the minimum fostering allowance rates each April, with amounts relative to a child’s age and needs. Currently, the minimum allowance is between £123 and £216 per week. At DMR Fostering Services, we will always ensure our foster carers receive at least £376 per week for each child in their care.