Fostering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are children and young people fostered?

Children and young people of all ages and from all backgrounds come into care when they are unable to live with their birth parents for a period of time
It may be because of a family illness, family breakdown and problems at home, or a situation where their welfare is threatened. Many will have experienced neglect and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Where can I foster with Time Out Fostering?

Time Out’s lead office is based in Lancing but we have foster carers throughout West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Wherever you may live across these county’s we will be able to support you in fostering children.

How do I become a foster carer?

Once you have made that decision to become a foster carer or you wish to know more about fostering then the first step is to complete our form online providing us with your details. Find application form can be found here.

Alternatively, you can phone us at the office on 01903 259900. We will support you every step of the way in your journey to becoming a carer.

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

The length of the application process can vary from carer to carer. On average, it takes around 4 – 6 months to complete your assessment and be approved as a foster carer. Visit our ‘Becoming our Carer’ page to find out more about what’s involved.

What happens in the foster carer process?

After an initial conversation, a member of the team would visit you at home and provide you with further information on fostering. The member of the team will look at your home and advise what type of fostering you may be suitable for.  Depending on this suitability, an application form would be sent to start the checks and references.

You would need to complete an introduction to fostering training course before starting the assessment process, the process concludes with the fostering panel where we hope you will be approved to foster and start caring for children.

What checks are carried out on me to become a foster carer?

As part of the application process, we’ll carry out a number of references and checks. These include:

  • Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check on anyone living in the house and over the age of 16
  • A medical report from your GP
  • Up to seven references, Inc. family, friends, employer and ex-partner (with your permission)
  • Local authority checks for the last 7 years
  • A full safety check on your home including pets

How do I transfer from one fostering agency to another?

We understand that transferring to another agency is a big decision. If you are thinking of taking this step then please talk to us and we will support you in making the best decision for you and your family.

We are experienced in working with other agencies in making the process as smooth and as stress free as possible. If transferring to Time Out is right for you and any child you may have in placement, then you would need to give 28 days to your current agency which will then allow us to start the process with them.

Do I need a spare room to foster?

Yes, the minimum requirement to foster is that a child has their own bedroom, a space where they can feel safe and secure.

Can I be a foster parent if I am single?

A common misconception is that you have to be in a long term relationship or be married to be a foster parent however this is not the case. The main concern is that the child you have place is in a safe and stable environment and is happy and comfortable in your company and your home.

Who can foster?

As long as you are in good health and fit enough to care for children then you can apply from 18 years and upwards. We welcome all sections of society and value diversity. If you are lesbian, gay, bi or transgender as long as you have successfully completed our training, checks and references and have the right skills then you can foster for us. We welcome application from the LGBT+ community.

I rent my home, can I foster?

You can foster a child whether you rent or own your home as long you have a spare bedroom. Time Out will carry out a check with your landlord or agency to ensure they are happy for you to foster. If fostering is something you are thinking of doing you may wish to check this out prior to getting in touch with us.

Can I work and be a foster carer?

Yes you can work and be a foster carer but you will need to be aware that you may need to attend meetings and appointments for a child that you care for.

Do I need qualifications to foster?

No you don’t require any formal qualifications or previous experience to start your fostering with Time Out. We instead base our assessments on whether you have the right level of enthusiasm, resilience, patience and energy to help make a positive difference to the upbringing of a child or young person in care.

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 and have a positive and therapeutic effect on children. Every animal is different though and your pets will be assessed as part of the process of becoming a foster carer.

How much do I get paid to foster?

Time Out Fostering offer a competitive weekly allowance to foster children. The amount of allowance paid depends on the type of care and the age of the child or young person. For more information on allowances please check out our foster payment page.

What sort of support will I receive?

Time Out will support you and your family 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. We are a small agency offering a friendly and personal service in which we will get to know you and the child you care for really well.

You will be provided with social worker who will supervise you and ensure you have the right training and methods to provide the best care possible.

What training is available?

Time Out provide a range of training throughout the year, both online and face to face. The training is available free and lunch is normally provided.

You will even receive training opportunities as you progress through the application process, we like to train up our carers before they are approved.

Can I choose the ages of the children I wish to foster?

Yes you will be able to discuss the type of fostering you would like to do during your assessment. Our social worker may also make recommendations based on your home and family. The decision is yours!

Time Out pride ourselves on our robust matching processes, ensuring we place the right children with your family.

What will I know about the foster child before they arrive?

You will be sent a referral with several details about the child we are looking to place with you. This will include: Family background, why they are coming into care, education, health, identified behaviours, likes, dislikes etc. Depending on the urgency of the placement, you may be able to meet the child and find out more about them.

Will I or the children I am looking after have contact with their birth family?

Children in foster care have a legal right to contact with their birth family and most children want to keep in contact, although they find it distressing at times.

As a carer, you may be asked to transport a child to contact and maintain a relationship with the child’s family member.

Will I or the children I am looking after have contact with their birth family?

Children in foster care have a legal right to contact with their birth family and most children want to keep in contact, although they find it distressing at times.

As a carer, you may be asked to transport a child to contact and maintain a relationship with the child’s family member.

Can I be a foster parent if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record doesn’t necessarily stop someone from being able to be a foster parent. Dependant on the nature of the crime, it is usually possible to become a foster parent. However, any previous convictions involving children mean you cannot become a foster parent.

Can I foster if I am over 60?

There is legally no upper age limit to fostering! All that is important is that you are well and fit and able to meet the needs of any child you are approved to look after.

Can I foster if I have health problems?

As part of your assessment, we seek a medical report that determines if you are physically and psychologically fit enough to care for children and meet their needs. Fostering services won’t decline you just because of a health condition – applications are treated fairly with respect and no judgement or prejudice.

Can I foster if I smoke?

There are certain restrictions around smoking however it doesn’t exclude you completely. If you smoke you can only foster over 5s and can’t take in parent and child placements or any child with a respiratory illness.

Fostering is meant to give a child the best start to life possible and promote a healthy lifestyle, which is why we don’t place under 5s with smokers.