What is fostering? : Definition & Meaning

Fostering is a brilliant way to help children and young persons for their future and well being. This through becoming an approved foster carer, or this is often referred to a foster parent, and then you can look after and support children and young persons in your own home. You can provide a safe environment, help the children with their personal development, education, & future opportunities. The meaning of fostering is not just about providing shelter but also creating a nurturing atmosphere for the child’s growth and well-being. Fostering can be challenging at times, so you do need that commitment and the time for fostering. The upsides and rewards are great though, when you see the happiness you can make happen for a child or young person. The fostering definition encompasses not only providing care but also being a mentor and guide to children in need. Children and young persons come into care when they are not able to live with their own birth parents or other family members. Fostering is the most common form of support because of the parenting experience that can be provided and positive outcomes.

There is an application process to becoming a foster carer and which is taken step by step, which we can support you on. Fostering meaning also involves thorough assessments to ensure you are ready for this important role. Fostering is regulated by the fostering regulations and relevant safeguarding laws. This is help to ensure the standards of care and to keep children and young persons’ safe.

Please see the steps to becoming a foster carer

Fostering and matching considerations – what type of children would I help?

You can decide and have input on all the children and young persons that are matched with you. When you become a foster carer, then referrals for each child or young person are shared with you for your consideration. You can think about their needs, support and other practical considerations like school locations. Each foster carer has a profile which is matched with the child or young person’s profile. This takes into account the best outcomes that can be supported. To define foster care simply, it means providing a safe and supportive home for children who cannot live with their birth families.

Fostering placements can be for one night only, several weeks, months or even years. This depends on the care planning, outcomes and other considerations.

Please see information about different types of fostering below.

Placements and fostering types

What support would I receive when fostering?

When fostering you receive support directly from us, this is through one to one social worker support, specialist training, home visits, support groups, activities, fostering respite and out of hours contact.

You also receive a fostering payment which covers the allowances for the child and young person and then a reward element that you retain. Fostering payments have favourable tax treatment, which increases the overall effective payment you receive. We have information and guidance on foster carer payments. Please also try our fostering calculator to give you an idea of what you could receive. What does it mean to foster? It means providing care, stability, and love to vulnerable children who need a safe and supportive home.

Financial calculator – have a look at your potential fostering payment that you could receive

Where can I find out more information about fostering?

You can contact us and we can happily cover all your questions about fostering, how to become a foster carer and your support. This can be through a telephone call, video call or we can visit you are your home.

We also have a Guide to Fostering here which you can download for your reading and information. Thinking about taking the next step? If you’ve been inspired by what fostering involves and the difference it can make, learn how you can become a foster parent and start your journey with Beacon Fostering today.