At Sunbeam Fostering, we believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and loving home. Fostering can be one of the most rewarding experiences, offering children in need the support and care they deserve during challenging times. Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or simply looking for more information, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fostering. Our goal is to help guide you through the process and offer insight into how fostering can change lives—both yours and the child’s. Read on to learn more!

What is fostering?

Fostering is the act of temporarily providing a safe and loving home to a child or animal in need. It can range from short-term care to longer placements, depending on the situation and the needs of the foster child or pet.

What is the difference between Fostering and Adoption?

For children who are unable to live with their birth family, fostering provides a secure, stable, and safe environment for them to live in. They still remain the legal responsibility of their birth family and Local Authority during this period, as foster carers do not have legal guardianship over their foster children. The main difference between Fostering and Adoption is that an adoption order ends a child’s legal relationship with their natural family, whereas looked after children remain the legal responsibility of the local authority and/or their birth parents.

Who can become a foster parent?

Foster parents come from all walks of life. Requirements vary by state or agency, but in general, you must be over 21, have a spare bedroom in the house, pass a background check, and complete training. You can be single, married, or in a partnership. What’s most important is your ability to provide a nurturing, supportive environment.

What is a Spare Bedroom?

In fostering, a spare bedroom refers to an additional room in a foster carer’s home that is designated for the foster child. It is essential to have an extra room that is not being used by any members of the family.

How long does fostering last?

The duration of a foster placement varies. It could be as short as a few days or as long as several months or even years. The goal is often reunification with the birth family, but some foster children may stay until they reach adulthood.

Can I foster if I belong to LGBTQ+ community?

Absolutely! At Sunbeam Fostering, we welcome foster parents from all backgrounds, regardless of sexual orientation. What truly matters is your ability to provide a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child. We are committed to ensuring that all foster parents, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, have the resources and support needed to succeed in fostering. Every child deserves love and care, and your home could be the perfect place to provide that.

Sunbeam Fostering firmly believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity. We celebrate the rich tapestry of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the incredible potential that LGBTQ+ foster carers possess in shaping the lives of vulnerable children. We firmly believe that love knows no boundaries, and it is the foundation upon which we build our fostering community.

Can I foster if I am single?

Yes, you can foster if you are single. Sunbeam Fostering welcomes single individuals who have the time, stability, and commitment to care for a child. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the most important factors are your ability to meet a child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs. We provide comprehensive training and support to ensure you feel prepared and confident in your fostering journey.

Can I foster if I already have children?

Yes! Many foster parents have biological or adopted children and pets of their own. However, it’s important to ensure that your home is ready for the changes fostering can bring, and that everyone in the home is comfortable with the decision.

Can I foster if I have Pets?

Having pets does not prevent you from fostering, in fact, they can be an asset to a foster family. However, every animal is different and your pets will be assessed as part of our recruitment process, taking into account factors such as their temperament and behaviour.

Do I have to own a property to become a foster carer?

No, one doesn’t need to own a property to be a foster carer. Many foster carers are living in rented properties. All you need is consent from your landlord or property agent to foster. Make sure you have a spare bedroom and landlord consent to become a foster carer.

What is ARC?

ARC (Attachment, Regulation and Competency) is designed to re-parent children and young people aged three to seventeen who have experienced multiple and/or prolonged trauma. Children and young people often present with severe psychological and behavioural issues which can lead to significant challenges for foster parents to fully integrate them into everyday life. To know more about ARC please click here.

What are the most important qualities of a good foster parent?

Patience, empathy, flexibility, and a strong support system are key qualities. Foster parents must be prepared for both the joys and challenges that come with providing care to children or animals from sometimes difficult circumstances. Fostering is a powerful way to help others in need, offering a stable and loving environment that can make a lifelong impact.

What support is available to foster parents?

At Sunbeam, we are proud of our standards and the help & support we provide to all our foster carers. Sunbeam offers up to £700 fostering allowance per child per week depending on children’s needs. Additionally, we pay other allowances, and our foster carers receive many other benefits while fostering with us. Apart from this, all our foster carers have 24-hour access to staff and support which is not just a promise but delivered 365 days per year.  To know in detail about the support offered by us  to our foster carers please read our 20 Reasons to Join Sunbeam. 

How do I get started with fostering?

It usually takes about four to six months from the initial inquiry to become a foster carer. A series of visits and assessments with a social worker precede the final interview with a panel that will decide whether you will be approved to foster. To read in detail about the steps involved in becoming a foster carer please click here

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer please call us on 02087990930 or visit our website www.sunbeamfostering.com

Written By- Nishtha Singh(Digital Marketing Officer)