Fostering & Adoption

Difference between fostering and adoption

Viewed from the outside, both fostering and adoption have a lot of similarities and it’s easy for the differences to appear blurred.

You could say that adoption is about providing a family for a child, a safe home and a long term emotional relationship. But then some of our foster placements have lasted ten years or more and these children also benefit from living within a stable and secure family home.

The real difference is that…

Adoption means you become a child’s permanent legal parent, whereas fostered children are likely to have an ongoing relationship with their parents and family members. They will also have an allocated social worker who has responsibilities about their care.

Foster carers receive allowances whereas adopters generally do not.

There are lots of types and durations of foster placement and there may be some areas of foster care that may be better suited to you and your family than others.

But before we explore further it’s worth being transparent from the very outset that every foster placement, regardless of type or duration, actually requires more than giving a child a safe and stable place in your home.

• It is an ongoing process including paperwork, training and support meetings.
• It is, in fact, a very unique career.
• It comes with a financial allowance, huge support from a fantastic team and immeasurable personal rewards.
• It may be the most satisfying and rewarding experience of your life.

To find out about our Adoption service click here