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.

Quilts of Comfort and Hope from Project Linus — Skylark Fostering

We’re delighted to share that Project Linus UK - Lincolnshire has made a truly heart-warming donation to Skylark Fostering. Every child in our fostering community will receive their very own handmade comfort quilt, lovingly created by Project Linus volunteers 🧵.

Each quilt is unique, designed and stitched by local volunteers who generously give their time and creativity to provide warmth, comfort and reassurance to children who need it most. The quilts come in a wonderful variety of colours, patterns and designs, and each child is able to choose the quilt that feels right for them, making it a personal and meaningful gift 🌈.

Project Linus UK is a volunteer-run charity that provides new, handmade quilts and blankets to children who are sick, disadvantaged or experiencing trauma. In Lincolnshire, their dedicated team of makers works tirelessly to bring smiles and comfort through their craft, ensuring that every stitch carries care and kindness ✨.

We are especially grateful to Brenda Pack, whose support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing these beautiful quilts to Skylark’s children. Brenda, your kindness and commitment will wrap our young people in so much more than fabric – thank you 🙏.

Their quilts are more than just fabric and thread – they are a symbol of comfort, belonging and hope. From all of us at Skylark Fostering, and on behalf of the children who’ve already snuggled up with their chosen quilts, thank you, Brenda, and thank you Project Linus, for wrapping our young people in warmth and love 🤍.

How you can support Project Linus

If you’ve been inspired by this wonderful act of kindness, you can help Project Linus continue their work. Whether you:

donate fabric, wadding or thread 🧶
give a financial contribution
or volunteer your sewing and quilting skills

…you’ll be helping to provide “blankets of love” to children who really need them 🧸.

To find out more about how to get involved or to make a donation, please visit the Project Linus UK website or contact the Lincolnshire Project Linus team via the Project Linus Lincolnshire Supporters Facebook page.

Quilts of Comfort and Hope from Project Linus

How you can support Project Linus

Sponsors of Nettleham FC Men’s Sunday League Team