Free Fostering Guides

Everything you need to know about fostering

Clear, honest guides written for carers — not agencies. From choosing your first agency to transferring after years of experience.

Getting Started

The 7 questions every prospective foster carer should ask before signing with an agency. Ofsted rating explained, support levels demystified.

From short breaks to long-term, UASC to parent-and-child — a clear breakdown of every fostering type and the agency specialisms to look for.

What happens between enquiring and being approved. The Form F assessment, home study, panel process, and how long it all takes.

Your legal right to transfer, the 28-day notice process, what happens to your placement, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Breaking down exactly what inspectors look for, how often agencies are re-inspected, and what an Outstanding rating really tells you.

How much do foster carers get paid? The difference between allowances and fees, national minimum rates, and how to negotiate a better package.

The key differences in support, allowances, training, and placements. Neither is universally better — it depends on your situation.

The minimum standards for supervising social worker visits, training, emergency out-of-hours support, and what good looks like.

We'll match you with better-fitting agencies for free — no disruption to your placement.