Foster carers

Becoming a foster carer 

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer. If you are interested in fostering contact Cambridgeshire County Council Fostering Service (external link)

Fostering agencies 

Some local councils use fostering agencies to get children into foster care, particularly children who might be hard to place. You can contact a fostering agency in your area (external link) directly. 

What happens 

  1. The council or agency will collect information about you, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (external link) and a health check. Other household members over 18 will also be DBS checked. 
  2. You will attend a group preparation session with other people who are applying. 
  3. Your suitability to foster will be assessed. This can take up to 6 months. 
  4. Your application will be sent to an independent fostering panel, which will recommend if you can become a foster carer. 
  5. Your fostering service will make the final decision.