New to Fostering FAQs

Yes. Many foster carers have pets, and they can play a positive role in helping children feel settled and at home. During your assessment, we'll look at your home environment and make sure any pets are suitable for children.

Absolutely. Many successful foster carers are single. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, stable and caring home, along with a good support network around you.

In many cases, yes. It depends on the flexibility of your job and the needs of the child you'll be caring for. We'll discuss your individual circumstances and help you understand what types of fostering may suit your lifestyle.

Yes. Every foster child should have their own bedroom where they can feel safe, comfortable and have their own personal space. There are some exceptions for siblings, but these are considered individually.

Yes. You don't need to own your home to become a foster carer. Whether you rent privately, through a housing association or the local authority, you may still be eligible to foster.

No. There is no upper age limit for fostering. As long as you're over 21 and able to meet the needs of a child, your age won't stop you from becoming a foster carer.

No. You don't need any formal qualifications or previous fostering experience. We provide all the training you'll need before your first placement and throughout your fostering journey.

Possibly. Having a physical or mental health condition doesn't automatically prevent you from fostering. We'll look at how your health affects your daily life and your ability to care for a child.

Every application is considered individually. Some convictions won't prevent you from fostering, while others may. If you're unsure, speak to our team for confidential advice.

Yes. We welcome foster carers from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Children need caring, supportive homes, and we're committed to finding the right carers for every child.

Yes. We welcome people of all faiths and beliefs. Having carers from different cultural and religious backgrounds helps us meet the diverse needs of the children we care for.

You'll never be on your own. You'll have a dedicated supervising social worker, access to training, regular support groups and 24-hour support whenever you need advice or guidance.

The approval process usually takes around four to six months. Throughout this time, we'll guide you through each stage, from your initial enquiry to your fostering panel.

Before you're approved, you'll complete Skills to Foster training. Once you begin fostering, you'll have access to ongoing learning and development to build your confidence and skills.

Fostering allowances are treated differently from most forms of income. Depending on your circumstances, they may not affect certain benefits. We recommend seeking independent financial advice or speaking with our team for more information.

Yes, in many cases. Holidays can be a valuable opportunity for children to enjoy family experiences. Some trips require permission in advance, and we'll explain the process and support you with any arrangements.

Many families find fostering to be a positive experience. Your children will be included throughout the assessment process and we'll provide support to help the whole family adjust to welcoming a foster child into your home.