IFoster care is when a child or young person is cared for by a person or people who are not members of their own birth family. In most cases the foster child lives with you full time, but the length of their stay depends on their individual needs.

Foster care is not like adoption, it is not a permanent arrangement and you will be paid an allowance to look after the child.

When a child is placed with you, you will form part of the team around the child, working with social workers and other professionals to make sure the child gets the care they need. You may also have contact with the birth parents and families of the child to support their ongoing relationship and help them return home.

There are a wide range of foster care placements ranging from Short Term to Long Term, Parent and Child, disability and respite work.Children come into care at all ages up to 18 and in some cases remain in “staying put’ placements beyond.

Yes, having a spare room is typically a requirement for fostering in the UK. Foster children are expected to have their own separate bedroom to ensure their comfort, privacy, and well-being. This provides them with a suitable and comfortable living environment. If you are considering becoming a foster carer, it's important to have a spare room available

Children are matched with foster carers based on compatibility, the carer's skills, and the child's needs. Our team carefully assesses and considers these factors to ensure the best match.

Fostering is an incredible journey, and at Little Acorns, we’re here to support you every step of the way. The process begins with a relaxed, informal chat where we get to know you and your interest in fostering. This is a chance to ask questions, understand what’s involved, and see if fostering feels like the right fit for you.

If you’d like to take things further, we’ll arrange a home visit. One of our team members will come to meet you in your own space, talk through your circumstances, and give you a clearer picture of what fostering could look like for you. There’s no rush—this is your time to reflect and decide whether you’re ready to take the next step.

When you’re ready to proceed, we’ll start a detailed assessment known as the Form F. This involves background checks such as DBS and references, a medical examination, and a series of interviews to help us understand your experiences, skills, and family life. A social worker will visit multiple times, getting to know you and gathering insights about your home environment, parenting style, and support network. If you have children, we’ll also conduct a separate assessment to ensure they feel comfortable and included in the process.

Once the assessment is complete, everything is presented to a Fostering Panel. This group of experienced professionals carefully reviews all the information to determine your suitability as a foster carer. If you’re approved, we’ll work alongside Local Authorities to find the right placement for you, ensuring the best possible match for both you and the child.

Fostering is a big commitment, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. If you’re ready to explore the possibility of changing a child’s life, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re thinking about fostering and want to take the next step, you have two easy options.You can click the ‘Get the Guide to Fostering’ button, where you’ll fill in a few quick details. We’ll then send you our comprehensive guide via email, packed with useful information to help you explore fostering further. After that, we’ll usually follow up to see if you have any questions.

Alternatively, you can book a Discovery Call at a time that suits you. One of our team members will give you a friendly, no-obligation call where you can ask anything you like and get a feel for whether fostering could be the right path for you.Whichever option feels best for you, we’re here to help and answer any questions along the way.