Fostering involves providing care for babies, children, or young people who require a safe, stable, and loving family environment. Foster carers play a vital role in helping children thrive and feel secure, and receive competitive allowances, professional training, and dedicated support from their fostering agency.
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Children require foster care for many different reasons. It could be due to an illness in the family, leaving the family home without an appropriate parent or guardian. Many of these cases require short-term fostering while families receive support.
Unfortunately, the majority of children need to stay longer in the care system due to concerns of neglect or abuse. In such cases, long-term fostering may be necessary to provide the safety and stability they need to recover and thrive.
While it can be stressful for children to leave their family home, fostering is sometimes necessary to minimise trauma that could impact a child's behaviour, learning, mental health, wellbeing, and their ability to form relationships with others.
Children may be removed from their home due to abuse, neglect, or concerns about their safety and welfare.
A parent or guardian may become seriously ill or need hospitalisation, leaving no suitable adult to care for the child.
Relationship breakdowns, domestic violence or bereavement can mean children need temporary or permanent alternative care.
Mental health challenges can sometimes affect a parent's ability to safely care for their children.
Children may arrive in the UK without a parent or guardian, having fled conflict, exploitation or persecution overseas.
Courts may determine that a child's welfare requires them to be placed in foster care while assessments and plans are made.
Choosing to become a foster carer can have a life-changing impact on a child's future. If you have a spare bedroom and the time to commit to caring for young people, you could make a meaningful difference and help transform a child's life.
Fostering agencies are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you need advice, someone to listen, or practical help, support is always available when you need it, day or night.
Your wellbeing as a carer is a priority. Agencies offer a wide range of support including mental health resources, stress management, physical health guidance, and opportunities for personal growth, ensuring you never feel alone in your fostering journey.
Explore Types of Fostering →Witnessing the change in the children, seeing their personalities develop and their confidence and trust in adults grow, is what I enjoy most about fostering. We have a good routine, which the children have responded well to. Seeing their smiling faces as we share good nights is so rewarding. Fostering really brings you the highest of highs.
Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and ethnic groups. The most important criteria is the ability to listen and empathise, to provide a stable and loving home, and to speak up for the children you care for. Your sexuality, marital status, age and whether you own a home do not determine your suitability.
You must be at least 21 years of age to foster. There is no upper age limit as long as you are fit and well.
You must have at least one spare bedroom in your home that is suitable for a child or young person.
You must be a full-time resident in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain in the country.
You must have good spoken and written English to communicate with children, agencies and professionals.
You must have the time and availability to dedicate yourself to fostering and attending training sessions.
Above all, you need empathy, resilience and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in a child's life.
The journey from initial enquiry to your first placement typically takes four to six months
Get in touch with an agency or use Think Fostering to compare agencies in your area. There is no obligation at this stage.
A social worker will visit your home for an informal chat about fostering, your circumstances, and answer any questions you have.
Complete pre-approval training, undergo checks and assessments, and attend a fostering panel for formal approval.
Once approved, your agency will carefully match you with a child. You will receive ongoing support, training and supervision.
Thinking about fostering is a big step, and it is completely natural to have questions about eligibility, support, payments, training and what everyday life as a foster carer involves; the information below covers the most common topics to help you feel informed and confident, and if you would like to know more, please read our full FAQs or contact a member of the team using our contact form.
The process from initial enquiry to approval typically takes four to six months. This includes training, home assessments, background checks, and attendance at a fostering panel. Your agency will guide you through every stage and keep you informed of progress.
Yes. As soon as you are approved and begin caring for a child, you will receive a fostering allowance. The amount varies based on the type of care, the age and needs of the child, and which agency you foster with. Many agencies also offer additional payments for birthdays, holidays and specialist placements.
This depends on the type of fostering and the needs of the child. Some placements, particularly for older children, may be compatible with working. However, many agencies prefer carers to be available during the day, especially for younger children or those with complex needs. Discuss your circumstances with agencies during your initial enquiry.
Yes. You do not need to own your home to foster. Whether you rent or own, the key requirement is that you have a spare bedroom and a stable, safe living environment. You may need permission from your landlord, but this does not prevent you from being considered.
Foster carers receive comprehensive support from their agency including a dedicated supervising social worker, 24/7 out-of-hours telephone support, regular training and development, peer support groups, and access to specialist services such as therapeutic and clinical support for children with complex needs.