Fostering or Adoption
Which one is right for you and your family?
If you want to expand your family and make a lasting difference to a vulnerable child needing a safe and loving home, then now is the perfect time to consider fostering as an alternative route.
Fostering vs. adoption: the differences between the two
Foster care provides vulnerable children and young people with a temporary place to live when they’re unable to stay with their birth family. Sometimes a child or young person may only need fostering for a few days, in other circumstances, care may be longer term lasting years, and even up until the age of 21.
Adoption however is always permanent. When you adopt, you become the child’s legal guardian, assuming full responsibility for their upbringing, just as you would with a biological child, with little outside support. In contrast, fostering offers comprehensive support throughout your journey as you care for the child.
Another main difference is adoptive parents do not receive financial support like foster parents do.
Fostering:
- Fostering is a temporary arrangement, however the duration you care for a child can vary from a few days to several years, and even up to adulthood
- The assessment process for fostering can take between 4 – 6 months, and once approved it won’t take long for you to be matched with a child
- As a foster parent, you do not have legal parental rights over the child
- Foster parents receive ongoing support, including financial assistance, training, and access to resources to help care for the child
Adoption:
- Adoption is a permanent, legal process where you become the child’s parent for life
- The assessment process for adoption can take 6 months to 1 year, and once approved it can take anything from 6 months to 2 years to adopt a child
- In adoption, you gain full legal parental rights and responsibilities
- Adoptive parents generally do not receive the same level of support after the adoption is finalised. While there may be some initial assistance, you are expected to independently care for the child as you would with a biological child
In a nutshell, fostering offers a great alternative to those initially thinking about going down the adoption route to extend their family or looking to become parents for the first time.
Fostering a child is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give a child or young person the fresh, positive start they need. It’s not just giving children a roof over their heads though – foster families play a vital role in shaping a child’s future, and that young person becomes part of the family forever.
Are you thinking of fostering?
Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.
There are over 63,000 children living with foster families across the UK
35,000 more children come into care over the course of 12 months
Every year thousands more foster families are needed across the UK
The benefits of fostering a child with FCA
- 24/7 support, 365 days a year
- Ongoing training to help you meet the needs of the child in your care
- A fostering allowance of on average, £487 per week, per child.
- Regular bonuses, discount scheme, and paid respite
- Access to a network of professionals including therapists, educational experts and social workers
Still wondering if fostering is right for you?
We know fostering is a big decision and often not one that is made overnight. When deciding, it’s important to take into account all of the points we have mentioned.
Why not speak to our fostering team today for advice and friendly chat about what’s best for you.
Fostering isn’t for everyone, and adoption could be the right route for you. If this is the case then we’d recommend approaching a voluntary adoption agency like Adopters for Adoption whose staff team have first-hand experience of adoption and offer great adoption support.
How can we help?
Ready to start fostering a child or young person? Or just want a bit more information to help you decide whether fostering is for you? All you need to do is contact us.
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