Foster care – are other adults allowed in the home?

Whether you are planning to foster as a single person, or as part of a couple, you might be wondering if there are any rules regarding other adults who come in and out of your home regularly.

If you’re single, for instance, you may be unsure of what happens if you meet a new partner while fostering a child or children. And if your foster children are about to leave foster care, there are arrangements to consider as well.

Here’s what you need to know about adults in the foster home from us at Beacon Fostering.

Romantic partners

Although foster carers can date and have a social life, they should ensure that the new partners are aware of any background checks required before they can enter the foster carer’s home permanently.

The carers should also inform their local authority/fostering agency or social worker of these adults, or any others who may be entering or returning to their household – such as adult offspring, friends or relatives.

This will allow for an evaluation of how it will impact the foster children in the household. This also applies if the foster carer has experienced other significant life changes, such as divorce, separation or bereavement.

Care leavers

When a foster child turns 18, they are classed as a care leaver. However, in recent years, local authorities have played a role in helping them transition to living independently, through means such as the Staying Put scheme in England – where care leavers can stay with their foster families until they reach the age of 21.

Social workers and children’s services can assist you and your foster child with these arrangements.