Friends and family foster care is when a child is cared for by someone they already know, such as a relative or close family friend. This is sometimes called kinship fostering.
Find out what the role involves and how we assess you to become a carer.
About the role
As a friends and family foster carer, you will:
- care for a child who cannot live with their parents
- follow the same approval process as other foster carers
- receive support, training and guidance from us
This is a formal fostering role under national regulations.
How you become a carer
The process may happen quickly, especially in an emergency. We will guide you at every stage.
1. How it starts
You do not apply for this role.
A social worker will contact you because:
- the child’s parents have suggested you
- you are a relative or someone important in the child’s life
They will explain what fostering involves. You can decide if you want to continue at any time.
2. Initial assessment (viability visit)
The first step is a viability visit. This checks if it is safe and suitable for the child to live with you.
If the child needs an emergency placement, this may happen straight away under temporary approval.
At this stage, we will:
- give you an information pack and application form
- ask you to complete medical and consent forms
- start background (DBS) checks
- ask you for references
You will need to provide identification, such as a passport or driving licence.
3. Training
Before approval, you will complete training to help you understand:
- why children come into care
- the legal process
- how to care for children safely
- your responsibilities as a foster carer
- how we support you
This includes group sessions and discussions with other carers.
4. Full fostering assessment
If your initial assessment is positive, we will carry out a full assessment.
This includes:
- enhanced DBS checks and a GP medical
- references from people who know you
- home visits to understand your experience and family situation
We will assess your ability to meet the child’s needs.
If the child is already living with you, they can remain in your care during this process.
You will be asked to:
- sign a foster care agreement
- provide information about your background and experience
5. Approval decision
When your assessment is complete:
- you will have the chance to review your report
- it will be presented to a fostering panel
- the panel makes a recommendation
- a final decision is made by the agency decision maker
If approved, you will be allocated a supervising social worker for ongoing support.
6. Support after approval
Once approved, you will receive:
- an induction to your role
- ongoing support from your supervising social worker
- access to further training
- fostering allowances
You will also complete additional training within your first 18 months.