What is friends and family foster care?

Find out what a friends and family foster carer does, and how we assess you. Friends and family fostering is sometimes known as Kinship fostering.

About the role

Family and friends carers follow a standard approval process. You will also be given support and training to help you meet the needs of the child you care for.

This is a statutory fostering role under fostering regulations. Liverpool City Council gives you full support, training, and guidance.

The steps to becoming a carer

This process often happens quickly. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re contacted in an emergency. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

1. How it starts

You don’t apply for this role - the child’s social worker will contact you because:

• parents have suggested your name
• you are a relative or someone significant in the child’s life.

The social worker will explain what fostering involves and check if you’re interested. You can say no at any time.

2 . Your initial viability assessment

The first step of the assessment is a viability visit. This visit will check if caring for the child is possible and safe. If the child needs an emergency placement, this may happen immediately. Emergency placements are made under 'Regulation 24 temporary approval'. 

At this visit, we'll give you:

• an information pack
• an application form
• medical forms
• consent forms for checks. 

We’ll then start DBS checks early and discuss referees. Have ID ready, such as your passport or driving licence, and think about who can give you references.

3. The training you will get

All foster carers complete a pre-approval course where you’ll learn about:

• why children come into care
• the legal process
• caring safely
• record keeping
• how we support you.

The training includes informal discussions and activities with other prospective carers.
There are no tests, no right or wrong answers, just practical learning and reflection.

4. The full assessment process

If your viability assessment is positive, we will move to a full fostering assessment. This includes:

• DBS checks and a GP medical
• references
• several home visits to explore your experience, family dynamics, and ability to meet the child’s needs.

Timescales for completing the assessment are strict, especially if set by court but we’ll explain what’s expected and help you meet deadlines.

If the child is already living with you, the assessment continues while they remain in your care.

You’ll be asked to sign a foster care agreement. You may also be given 'homework', like listing your employment history or family details.

5. Final approval

Your assessment report is shared with you for review. If in court proceedings, your viability report will be filed in court. You can request sensitive details be redacted.

It goes to Panel where your social worker introduces you. Panel make a recommendation which is then confirmed by the Agency Decision Maker.

You’ll be allocated a supervising social worker for ongoing support.

6. Support you get after approval

You’ll receive an induction and guidance. You will continue to get support, training, and allowances as a foster carer. Within 18 months, you’ll complete additional training and a portfolio. Find out more about support and training.