99Pls - I am a retired sw and was a fostering team manager for 15 years with a total of 30 years experience in children's services.
One of the issues that is explored in the comprehensive assessment of an applicant is the financial position. The best thing is for your mom to be honest and then maybe the sw can help find a way forward. I was assessing a single carer fairly recently and she had about £7,000 of debt altogether, which was obviously a concern, because to be finally approved, applicants have to be approved by the Fostering Panel, who would be concerned about this amount of debt. However I advised she went to the Citizens Advice Bureau and they helped get her debts sorted and prioritised, and I was able to include this in the assessment and the panel were satisfied with this. The only other thing is, is that being in debt can make an applicant appear to be a bit irresponsible and obviously that is not a good quality to have as a foster carer. However my lady admitted that she had been stupid really by getting herself into debt, and it wasa time when ads for loans were coming through her door every other day and it was very tempting
for her. I stressed this too and it was accepted.
Also of course if your mom is approved (and it would be a shame if she wasn't as I think many people are in debt these days)she will receive a fostering allowance for the day to day needs of the child (dependent upon age) and a fee for looking ater the child. The fee is the "wage" if you like so this could actually help her to start paying off some of the debt.
The main thing is whether your mom has the qualities that are needed for fostering. sounds like she has started the prep course, and has enjoyed it. Of course no-one knows about the reality of the job until they actually start to do it, but your mom might find it worthwhile. She will have to undergo quite a lengthy and comprehensive assessment looking into all areas of her life. Most applicants are worried about this but there is no need, there are no trick questions, it's really looking at the applicant's own childhood, their own parenting, life experiences etc and how all of this will relate to caring for a child in the care system, all of who to a greater or lesser extent are damaged and need a great deal of care.
My advice is to get your mom to go to CAB before her assessment begins so that she has set the wheels in motion for getting help in reducing her debt.
Hope all turns out well for your mom.