What is fostering?

Fostering is when children or young people are placed with foster carers as their parents are no longer in a position to care for them. This can be on a temporary basis lasting for one or two days. It can last for a few months or in certain cases years.

What are foster carers and what do they do?

Foster carers play an extremely important role, providing much needed support and security for often very vulnerable children, and enabling their successful transition into independent adult life. It is not your regular 9-5 job. Fostering is a challenging role and requires skills and dedication but it is equally rewarding and fulfilling.

What is the difference between fostering and adoption?

Fostering is different from adoption as it involves looking after a child or young person on a temporary basis. Adoption is a permanent arrangement involving adoptive parents assuming full legal responsibility for a child or young person until they reach adulthood. A child who is adopted loses all legal ties with their “birth parents” becoming a full member of their new family - usually taking the family’s name.

Why do some children need foster care?

There are a number of reasons why children are fostered. It can be because of family breakdown or an illness in a family. If abuse or neglect is involved, a child may become the subject of a Child Protection Order. Any child coming into care will find the process unsettling. Foster carers provide children with safe, stable homes for as long as they are needed.

Do I need to have any qualifications before I apply?

No. During your preparation to become a foster carer, you will receive training from us. This will help you to identify skills you may already have that can be developed. Carers are expected to participate in ongoing training courses that are provided to support ongoing professional learning and development. Please see more about our training offered here.

How old do I have to be to foster?

At least 21 years of age.

Do I have to be married to foster?

No. Many foster carers are single people, cohabiting or in a civil partnership. If you are not on your own, it is important that you are in a stable relationship.

Can I foster if I have pets?

Owning pets will not prevent you from fostering. They will be assessed as part of the application process to ensure their temperament and behaviour does not pose a risk. Having a family pet can be a real asset to a foster family.

What do I need to foster?

Most importantly, an interest and concern for children and young people. The ambition, commitment and energy to support them to achieve their full potential. On a practical level, you must have a spare room for a child or young person. This is so they can have the privacy and space they will need. There should be plenty of storage space and a place for them to work if they are an older child. The exception to this is made for babies - up to around eighteen months - who are normally allowed to share a foster carers bedroom. If you are unsure whether fostering is for you, find out by taking our quiz here.