The process usually takes around four to six months from your initial enquiry to approval. This includes home visits, training, background checks and a full assessment. AFA’s team will support you through each stage, making sure you feel prepared and informed.

Yes. Many foster parents offer different types of placements at different times, depending on their experience and the needs of local children.

Respite fostering (Stayovers) provides short breaks for children and their regular foster families. It gives everyone time to rest, recharge and return with renewed energy and focus.

You and your supervising social worker will discuss which placements fit your skills, household and lifestyle. AFA always ensures matches are carefully considered.

AFA Fostering offers a competitive fostering allowance, designed to cover the cost of caring for a child and recognise the important role Foster Parents play. The exact amount depends on the type of placement and the child’s needs. In addition to this allowance, you will receive ongoing training and 24/7 support.

The fostering process starts with an initial enquiry, followed by an informal home visit. You’ll then take part in training, background checks, and a full assessment carried out by a qualified social worker. Your application is then reviewed by an independent panel. Once approved, AFA works closely with you to match children to you and your home life and continues to support you every step of the way.

Being able to drive is very helpful, as foster parents often need to take children to school, appointments, and family contact sessions. In some circumstances, fostering without a car may be possible, but flexibility and reliable transport arrangements are essential.

Absolutely! Single individuals can become successful foster carers, and their unique perspectives can bring valuable support to children in need.

Yes. We will look at what other experience you’ve had of caring for children. This could be through other family, work or voluntary activities. We provide training in caring for children as part of the assessment process. We would need to check with you that it is fostering rather than adoption you are looking to do.

No, but it’s often helpful if the main foster parent in a fostering household is available at all times. We cannot ask that you give up work to foster but it may limit the children you can look after.

Many children are not in school when they first come into care. There are a number of meetings you will be expected to attend with social workers, health services etc., as well as regular training sessions which are usually held during office hours. It may be difficult to manage these if you work full time as well.

We pay our foster parents a comprehensive allowance when they have a child placed with them. This covers the cost of looking after a child and reflects your choice to foster rather than carry out another job. This allowance should not normally affect other benefits you may receive. For the most part, foster parents pay little or no tax on their allowance.