According to guidance published on the GOV.UK website, anyone seeking to become a foster carer must have the legal right to work in the UK and be capable of providing appropriate care for a child or young person.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, although most fostering services set their minimum age requirement at 21. The government also explained that home ownership is not compulsory, meaning people who rent accommodation can apply. However, applicants will usually need an available spare bedroom for the child.

People in employment may also be eligible to foster, depending on the child's needs and the arrangements required by the fostering service. Applications can be made through local councils, regional recruitment hubs or independent fostering agencies.

The application process can take up to eight months, beginning with an application and ending with a final decision from the fostering service. Applicants are allowed to apply through only one fostering service at a time.

As part of the assessment, prospective carers may be required to attend a preparation course to understand the responsibilities involved in fostering. They and every adult living in their household must also undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including checks against the relevant barred lists.

A social worker will assess the applicant and their family to determine whether they can provide a safe and suitable environment for a child. The assessment considers their circumstances, ability to care for a child and the support available within the household.

Applicants will also be asked about their preferences regarding the type of fostering they wish to undertake and the age or gender of children they feel able to care for. However, the government makes clear that prospective foster carers cannot select a particular child from a group or receive a trial placement before approval.

Following the assessment, the fostering service reviews the application and arranges for the applicant to meet its fostering panel. The panel makes a recommendation before the service reaches its final decision.

Approved foster carers are expected to work closely with local authorities, schools, healthcare professionals and a child's birth family to support the child's welfare and development.

Their responsibilities include maintaining records, preparing reports, attending meetings, advocating for the child, providing emotional support, helping manage behaviour and participating in relevant training.

Fostering arrangements vary according to individual circumstances. Some placements may last only one night, while others can continue for several years or until the young person reaches adulthood.

On employment, the government said foster carers may continue working, but the decision depends on the child's circumstances and the requirements of the fostering service. Employers may grant time off to help carers adjust when a child arrives or attend training, but ordinary fostering arrangements do not automatically give employees a statutory right to such leave.

However, people fostering a child for adoption are entitled to adoption pay and leave from the time the child comes to live with them.

Individuals seeking further information can contact Fosterline for free advice on 0800 040 7675, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays.

The guidance applies specifically to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate separate fostering arrangements.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia