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.

Current Vacancies

Supervising Social Worker (SSW)

This is a rare opportunity to be involved right at the start. Whilst your role will be primarily to support foster children and foster families, you’ll be able to learn about all the aspects (and challenges!) that come with establishing an 'outstanding’ Independent Fostering Agency.
Not only will this provide invaluable career enhancing experience, but there will also be every opportunity to develop a senior role in the agency should you choose to do so.
We value a low SSW to foster family ratio so you will support no more than 10 foster families.
Independent Fostering Panel Members

🌟 Could you help shape the future of fostering? 🌟
Skylark Fostering is looking for new Independent Fostering Panel Members to join us on this important journey.
Our fostering panel plays a vital role in considering applications to foster, foster carer reviews, and other key matters that support safe, high-quality fostering for children and young people.
Panel meetings take place in person in Lincolnshire, and this is a fantastic opportunity to use your experience, knowledge, and insight to make a real difference.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with backgrounds such as:
• Foster care
• Health and social care
• Education
• Childcare or family support
• Safeguarding
• Relevant professional or lived experience
As an Independent Panel Member, you will be part of a thoughtful, supportive, and child-focused process that helps ensure fostering decisions are carefully considered and informed.
💙 Interested in being part of something meaningful?
Please get in touch with Skylark Fostering to find out more about this rewarding role.
Assessing Social Worker

We are now seeking to appoint Independent Form F Assessors to work with our Assessment Manager to conduct robust and safe assessments of Prospective Foster Carers.
If you are a compassionate and qualified social worker with experience of creating detailed, analytical assessment reports and are seeking a new opportunity, this role might be perfect for you!

Contact us.

If you’d like to discuss any of the opportunities above, please use the form to enquire, else reach out to us on Facebook.

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Skylark Support

Current Vacancies

Supervising Social Worker (SSW)

Independent Fostering Panel Members

Assessing Social Worker

Contact us.

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