Foster With
Silver Lining
Become a Foster Carer with an Ofsted Outstanding agency that truly supports you. Earn a competitive fostering allowance, receive 24/7 support, and make a life-changing difference to a child.
At Silver Lining Fostering Agency, we don't just approve foster carers — we invest in them. Whether you're new to fostering or looking to transfer from your current agency, we provide the training, guidance, and financial support you need to provide best care for children.
Why Choose Silver Lining Fostering Agency?
If you're searching for how to become a foster carer, or looking for a better fostering agency to support you, choosing the right agency is one of the most important decisions you will make.
At Silver Lining, we are proud to be rated Ofsted Outstanding, reflecting our commitment to both children and the foster carers who care for them.
24/7 Dedicated Support
Our Out of Hours Support Team is available after the core office hours, weekends and bank holidays to support you when your Supervising Social Workers can’t.
Competitive Fostering Allowance
We offer generous fostering allowances and clear financial guidance so you can focus on providing stability and care.
Outstanding Ofsted Rating
Our Ofsted Outstanding rating demonstrates the quality of care, training, and safeguarding standards we uphold.
Ongoing Training & Development
From initial training to advanced specialist courses, we help you grow in confidence and skill.
Specialist Placement Opportunities
We support carers with a range of fostering types including long-term, short-term, respite, parent & child, and specialist placements.
Respectful, Family-Led Approach
We recognise our foster carers as skilled professionals and trusted partners in delivering high-quality care, not just as providers of placements.
Whether you are exploring fostering for the first time or considering transferring from another agency, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
How Much Do Foster Carers Get Paid?
Fostering is about changing lives — but it also needs to be financially sustainable. At Silver Lining Fostering Agency, we provide competitive fostering allowances designed to recognise your time, commitment, and dedication.
Foster carers receive a fostering allowance that covers:
The child's living costs (food, clothing, activities)
Household expenses
Travel and appointments
Your professional fostering fee
Additional Support: Depending on the type of placement, carers may receive enhanced allowances for specialist, parent & child, or complex care placements.
We believe foster carers should feel secure and supported. That's why we provide clear financial guidance from the start — so you understand exactly what to expect and how fostering can fit into your household income.
Our team is transparent about payments, provides consistent placements where possible, and ensures carers are never left uncertain about their financial arrangements.
If you're considering becoming a foster carer or transferring from another agency, speak to our team today to learn more about allowances and support.
Who Can Foster With Us?
Like foster children, our foster carers come from all walks of life. What matters most is your commitment, stability, and ability to provide a loving home.
You Need To Be:
Resident in England
Over the age of 21
Have a spare bedroom
Secure, loving, & caring home
You Can Be:
Single, married, or divorced
In a same-sex relationship
A single parent
Any gender
Someone with young children
Or with grown-up children or no children
Employed or unemployed
What matters most is your commitment, stability, and ability to provide a loving, safe home for a child in need.
Some of the Factors Considered as Part of the Assessment
The assessment process looks at various aspects of your life to ensure you can provide the best possible care for children who need it.
Your Past Experiences
- How have they shaped you to be the person you are today?
- Any past criminal convictions will be considered
- Your life journey and what you've learned
- Experiences that demonstrate your suitability
Your General Health
- Are you reasonably fit to foster now and into the future?
- Physical health assessment with your doctor
- Mental health and wellbeing considerations
- Ability to care for children safely
Your Home
- Is your home safe for a child?
- Do you have space to foster?
- Safe and suitable living environment
- Space for a child to play and study
Stable Household Finances
- Able to meet your own expenses without relying on fostering income
- Understand how fostering allowances work
- Any debts are manageable and being repaid
- Confident managing a household budget
Your Support Network
- Will there be people you can rely upon for support?
- Family and friends who can help
- Community connections and resources
- Professional support from Silver Lining
Your Knowledge & Experience
- Working with children/young people
- Experience through family, work, or volunteering
- Understanding of child development
- Willingness to learn and develop
Your Attitude
- Motivation and commitment to fostering
- Positivity and resilience
- Provide positive experiences to children in care
- Open to feedback and professional guidance
Training & Support
- Be able to deal with behaviour that may be difficult or challenging
- Commitment to ongoing training
- Work as part of a professional team
- Understanding how to keep children safe
Step by Step Guide to Becoming a Foster Carer
We've designed our process to be thorough yet supportive, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared for your fostering journey. Here's what to expect:
Initial Enquiry
Making an initial enquiry is simple. You can contact us by phone, email or through our website. A member of our team will answer your questions and talk through whether fostering could be right for you.
Initial Assessment
This is an informal stage where we explore your interest in more detail before moving to application.
Application Stage
You are invited to make an application. This is where the formal process begins.
Full Assessment & Training
You will be allocated an assessing social worker who will guide you through the process.
The Fostering Panel
Your assessment report is presented to our independent fostering panel, which you'll be invited to attend. The panel makes a recommendation to the agency decision-maker, who makes the final decision on your approval.
Post Approval
Once you're approved as a foster carer, you'll be allocated a Supervising Social Worker who will be your first point of contact. Our placements team will also contact you to discuss potential placements.
Typical Timeline
The entire fostering assessment process typically takes several months from initial enquiry to panel approval. The timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, the completion of checks, and training course availability. We work at a pace that suits you while ensuring all necessary steps are completed thoroughly.
Why Foster?
Would you foster if we told you that you could be the person that changes a child's life for the better?
That you could be the reason a child learns to trust adults again?
That you could be earning an income and gaining new skills by working from home?
That family is the most essential source of love, belonging and emotional support in the lives of children?
That you could be part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals?
That changes and additions to the family bring chances to learn how to roll with the punches?
That a foster child will change your life as much as you change theirs?
That your home could be the place where a child feels safe- perhaps for the first time ever?
That your children will be able to experience and develop skills for empathy and understanding?
That despite the challenges fostering a child will reward you in ways you never thought possible?
That there is a national shortage of foster carers and currently over 10,000 new foster families are needed to meet the demand?
That transformation can happen when families identify foster care as a caring and helpful option within the continuum of care?
Whatever your reason, foster a child. We believe it's good for you. To have a friendly chat with one of our staff:
Feeling Undervalued?Transfer to Silver Lining and Thrive
Foster Carers Deserve Better
At Silver Lining Fostering, we put you and your family first. With personalised support, exceptional training, and placements tailored to your needs, we're here to make fostering truly rewarding.
Why Choose Silver Lining?
24/7 Support
Including emergency home visits when you need them most
80+ Council Access
Access to placements with over 80 local authorities
Bespoke Supervisory Support
Personalised supervision and attention you deserve
Outstanding Ofsted
Recognised excellence in fostering services
Family-First Leadership
Leadership that treats you like family, not a number
Competitive Allowances
We promise to beat your current financial offer
What Our Foster Carers Say
"Silver Lining offers very personalised support and makes foster carers feel heard. The difference in approach was noticeable from day one after transferring from a Local Authority."
– Sakina, Foster Carer
Stress-Free Transfers
Switching to us is simple. Our team manages the entire process so you can continue fostering without interruption. We handle the paperwork, liaise with your current agency, and ensure children in your care remain settled and supported throughout.
How to Transfer:
Contact Us
Discuss your needs and options with our friendly team. We'll answer all your questions confidentially.
Smooth Transition
We handle the entire process while you continue fostering. No disruption to placements.
Our Promise To You
Higher Weekly Allowances
Competitive rates that recognise your valuable work
Welcome Bonuses
Special bonuses for carers transferring with children
Ongoing Rewards
Recognition and rewards for your commitment
Don't Settle for Less
Join Silver Lining Fostering and see the difference. You deserve an agency that values you.
*All conversations are completely confidential
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about becoming a foster carer.
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about fostering.
Ready to Start Your Fostering Journey?
Take the first step today. Fill out our enquiry form and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.