What is fostering?

Difference between fostering and adoption

You may be wondering what the difference is between fostering and adoption.

Fostering

Foster carers provide day-to-day care and support to a child or young person in their home.

However, the child usually remains the legal responsibility of the local authority.

Adoption 

Adoption means you become the legal parent to the child. Once you adopt you assume all responsibility for the child.

However, adoptive parents, adoptive children and birth relatives can call on the local authority for help and support as and when needed.