What is the difference between Fostering Agencies and Local Authorities?

All children in the care system are legally the responsibility of local authorities (councils). Initially, local authorities seek placements with their own foster carers. When a suitable match isn't found, they turn to private fostering agencies like Skylark Fostering. This is often because the child has complex needs or the local authority lacks carers in the right area.

What’s the difference between Fostering and Adoption?

Both fostering and adoption provide vulnerable children with safe, nurturing environments. However, they have fundamental differences. Fostering is usually temporary, with the goal of reunification with birth families, while adoption is a permanent legal transfer of parental rights. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide whether fostering or adoption is right for you.

What is the age range for becoming a foster carer?

There is no upper age limit for fostering; as long as you have the energy, dedication, time, and space to welcome a child, you could be a great foster carer. The minimum age requirement is 21 years. We welcome applications from individuals in their 20s and 30s, provided there is evidence of stability and security in their living arrangements.

What is the employment status of foster carers?

All foster carers must be registered as self-employed and are responsible for their taxes. Registering is straightforward and can be done online through HMRC. Foster carers can also qualify for the Qualifying Care Relief Scheme, which allows some payments to be tax free, potentially reducing annual tax liability. Skylark can offer further financial advice and guidance regarding all aspects of this.

Can I work full time and foster?

Children in foster care require stability due to their previous experiences. At Skylark Fostering, we stress the importance of a nurturing and stable environment. We expect our foster carers to be available to offer full-time, personalised care, which includes avoiding full-time daycare for young children and reducing dependency on before or after-school care for school-aged children. It's also worth noting that fostering can be a viable career choice; for instance, fostering two children with us can equate to an annual salary of around £60,000.

Can foster children share a bedroom?

Foster carers must have a spare room for fostering. Siblings of the same gender can share a room if it's large enough, but as children grow, they will need their own space. This consideration is discussed during initial planning and matching stages. Fostered children should not share a bedroom with your own child unless matched to you on a long-term basis and all parties (including the children!) are in agreement.

How will Skylark Fostering match a child to my family?

Our matching process ensures that potential foster families can meet the specific needs of children taken into care. We consider the preferences, lifestyles, and interests of the foster family, as well as their ability to meet the child’s needs. Through a thoughtful approach, we aim to create successful and resilient fostering arrangements.

Soaring High for Bright Futures

Skylark Fostering: Empowering Foster Carers and Transforming Children's Lives in Lincolnshire

Transform a Child’s Future with Skylark Fostering

Our Community

Skylark Fostering commits to giving children a happy, safe and caring home.
We offer thorough training and ongoing support to all our foster carers.
Our approach ensures we consider each foster family and fostered child as unique, so our support and advice is tailored specifically in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

About Skylark
Our Journey

We’re thrilled to announce that Skylark Fostering has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Community Champion Business Award! This recognition highlights our commitment to supporting local foster carers and children through strong community partnerships, which in turn reflects our ethos and values.
Follow our journey, discover inspiring stories, and access practical fostering tips on our blog!

Blog
Our Offering

Transform lives - both the children's and your own. Being a foster carer is richly rewarding, but as for any parent or carer, we know that some days it might not feel so!
With our supportive network of professionals and other foster carers, you will always know and feel that support is on hand and you are not alone.
Read more about what we have to offer and how to join us and become a Skylark foster carer.

Becoming a Foster Carer