Question 1

How do I become a foster carer in Durham?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to contact a number of the fostering organisations listed on this page. We suggest starting with three. You will then speak with the fostering service and they will ask you what sort of fostering you're interested in, your motivations for fostering, as well as questions about your personal circumstances. They may ask about your home, such as how much space you have and other people who live with you. They may also ask about your lifestyle, employment, health and background. This is also your opportunity to ask them any questions, and work out whether they feel like an organisation you'd like to foster with.

Following this, the fostering provider may invite you to an initial information session and, if you decide to proceed, you will begin a formal assessment process. This involves background checks, home visits and interviews to make sure fostering is the right fit for you and your household. Once approved, you will be matched with children whose needs suit your experience and home situation.

Question 2

How much do foster carers get paid in Durham?

Accepted Answer

Fostering allowances vary depending on the agency, the type of fostering and the age of the child. As a general guide, most foster carers receive a weekly allowance starting from around £230 per child, though specialist or therapeutic placements can be significantly higher.

We know that people do not foster for the money. However, we recognise that fostering has financial implications — for example, some people give up their jobs to foster, or reduce their hours to work part time. We ask the agencies in this directory to include information about allowances so you can compare before making your decision.

It is also worth knowing that under HMRC's Qualifying Care Relief scheme, most foster carers pay no income tax or National Insurance on their fostering income. The tax-free allowance combines a fixed annual sum with a weekly relief per child, meaning the majority of foster carers have no tax liability at all.

Question 3

How long does it take to become an approved foster carer in Durham?

Accepted Answer

The fostering approval process typically takes between four and six months from your initial enquiry to approval. This includes an assessment carried out by a qualified social worker, a series of home visits, training sessions and a review by an independent fostering panel. Some agencies offer a fast-track process for experienced carers. The timeline can vary depending on how quickly checks are completed and how responsive all parties are throughout the process.

Question 4

Do I need to own my own home to foster in Durham?

Accepted Answer

No — you don't need to own your home to become a foster carer. Whether you own or rent, what matters is that you have a suitable spare bedroom for a child and that your home is stable and safe. If you rent, you may need to check that your tenancy agreement allows for fostering, and some landlords may need to give permission. Your fostering agency will advise you on this during the assessment process.

Question 5

Can I foster as a single person in Durham?

Accepted Answer

Yes — single people can and do become successful foster carers. Fostering agencies across North East England welcome applications from single people, couples, married and unmarried partners, and people of all backgrounds. What matters most is that you have the time, space, commitment and support network to care for a child. Some agencies even find that single foster carers can be particularly well-suited to certain children who thrive with one consistent adult in their life.

Question 6

Can I transfer to a different fostering agency in Durham?

Accepted Answer

Yes — foster carers can transfer to a different fostering agency if they feel it is the right move for them. There is no legal obligation to stay with your current agency, and many experienced foster carers do switch providers over the course of their fostering career, often to access better support, higher allowances or more specialist training.

Before making the move, it's worth having an honest conversation with your current agency to see whether any concerns can be resolved. If you do decide to transfer, your new agency will carry out their own assessment — though this is usually a shorter process than the original approval since much of your history and experience will be taken into account. Any children currently in your care will need to be considered carefully during the transition, and your supervising social worker should be involved in the process.

Agency	Location	Ofsted	Provider type	Fostering types	Allowance	Reviews
Barnardo's Fostering National	North Shields	Good	Charity	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No rating
Compass Fostering National	Newton Aycliffe	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	No rating
County Durham Fostering Service Regional	Durham	Outstanding	Local Authority	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child	At or above national minimum — contact fostering@durham.gov.uk for exact rates	No rating
Foster Care Associates National	Houghton le Spring	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	—	No rating
Team Fostering Regional	North Shields	Outstanding	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, therapeutic, sibling groups	£554.12 per week for 11+ children. Full rates on request — no reduction for additional children.	No rating
UK Fostering National	Sunderland	Good	Independent Fostering Agency	Short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, parent and child, sibling groups	—	No rating

Fostering Agencies in Durham

Compare Fostering Agencies Serving Durham

About Fostering Agencies in Durham

Local authority fostering services

Independent fostering agencies (IFAs)

Fostering guides

How to choose a fostering agency: 10 vital questions to ask

Life story work in foster care — what it is and why it matters

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering in Durham