logo

What is a Foster Carer?

Navigation:

Before deciding whether foster care is the right career path for you, it's important to understand exactly what a foster carer is and what the role entails. In this guide, we’ll explain the role and responsibilities of a foster carer, so you know exactly what’s expected of you.

So, what is a foster carer?

Put simply, a foster carer is someone who cares for a child as part of their family, providing a safe and loving home whilst the child’s own family cannot look after them. Fostering arrangements can vary, with different placements lasting for:

  • A week
  • A month
  • A year
  • Until the child reaches the age of 18
  • When care orders lapse
  • When the care plan dictates

What qualities should a foster carer have?

Foster carers should be kind, caring and compassionate. Importantly, they must also have great communication skills. Before taking the next step in your fostering journey, check out the full list of desirable skills and qualities in our ‘Fostering as a Career’ guide. You should also review the foster care requirements to ensure fostering is right decision for you.

What Do Foster Carers Do?

As a foster carer, you’ll be responsible for providing care for your foster child on a day-to-day basis. This includes being actively involved in their health care, education, socialisation and extracurricular activities, such as sports or music.

However, your number one responsibility is to provide a safe and loving environment for your foster child. These responsibilities include feeding, clothing, and providing shelter for your foster child whilst also showing love, care and understanding.

With Capstone, you’ll have a wealth of support, including training and access to the team of experts. Our team of specialists includes Capstone’s social workers, educators, coaches, friends, parents of the child’s friends, and healthcare professionals. 

There is some paperwork involved with being a foster carer, such as reporting, which you will have to keep on top of. As a foster carer, you are also legally considered a self-employed worker, meaning you will need to keep track of your fostering income and expenses. You will also have to complete your tax return annually.

Want to find out more about fostering as a career? Find out how to kickstart your career today. Or if you’d like to find out more about fostering finances, read our detailed guide ‘How much do Foster Parents get Paid?’. Ready to start your fostering career? Contact our helpful team today.

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

We need this to put you in touch with your local fostering advisor.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

you may be also interested in

Blogs

24th September, 2024

Capstone’s Top 8 Tips for Teaching Children How to Cook

Blogs

10th September, 2024

Embracing a new chapter when you foster

Blogs

21st August, 2024

Back to School… Tips for the Family

Find out more about fostering with Capstone.

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer

Download Now

Ways to
GET IN TOUCH

Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you. 


Request a
call back

Contact us by completing our online form and one of our fostering advisors will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.



Call us

Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.



Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Capstone Foster Care.