Get Started with Olive Branch
If you've been thinking about fostering, reach out to us to talk about taking the first step. We're waiting for someone exactly like you!
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Why foster?
Every year thousands of new foster carers are needed to care for the increasing number of vulnerable children coming into care in the UK.
Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference to a child's life. By opening your home and your heart, you can provide the safety, stability and encouragement a child needs to grow in confidence and look ahead to the future.
Why children need foster carers
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home. When children are unable to live with their own families, foster carers provide the care, stability and support they need during a difficult time.
Children come into care for many different reasons, including neglect, abuse, family illness or circumstances beyond their parents' control. Whatever their experiences, they need someone who can offer patience, understanding and a place where they feel safe and valued.
Why people choose to foster
People become foster carers for many reasons. Some have raised their own children and want to use their experience to help others. Some have known someone who was fostered. Others simply want to give something meaningful back to their community.
Whatever your reason, fostering can be life-changing for both you and the child in your care.
You could help a child build confidence, settle into school, develop friendships and begin to believe in their future.
The difference you can make
Fostering is not about being perfect. It is about being present.
Small everyday moments can have a lasting impact. A regular bedtime routine, help with homework, family meals, encouragement after a hard day or celebrating a child’s achievements can all help them feel safe and valued.
With the right support, foster carers can help children heal, grow and move forward.
Could you be a foster carer?
You could foster if you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and can provide a safe, caring and stable home.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. You can be single, married, living with a partner, working, unemployed, retired, a homeowner or renting.
The most important qualities are patience, kindness, resilience, honesty and a willingness to learn.
You will be supported
Fostering can be challenging, but you will not be doing it alone.
At Olive Branch Fostering, we support you from your first enquiry onwards. You will receive training, guidance from an experienced team and ongoing support throughout your fostering role.
We will help you understand what fostering involves, answer your questions and support you at every stage.
Take the first step
If you are thinking about fostering, we would love to speak with you.
Whether you are ready to apply or simply want to learn more, our friendly team can help you decide whether fostering is right for you.
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Common questions asked
There is no upper age limit, age is just a number when it comes to fostering. We need people who have life experiences with the children in your care. You must be at least 21 years old to start fostering.
Yes. We have many single foster carers who have a solid support network of family and friends who offer practical and emotional support when needed. The Olive Branch Fostering team is also always available to support you, so you will never feel alone when you foster with us.
To foster, you need to have a spare room that will not require them to share with another member of your current household. Occasionally sibling placements can share a bedroom, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You will have an initial phone call with one of our team for advice and information. If and when you are ready you will have a dedicated assessor who will visit and support you throughout the process. Various checks including the referee, medical and a DBS will be completed and you are required to attend a ‘Skills to Foster’ training course. The assessment process normally takes between 4-6 months.
Fostering with Olive Branch Fostering
Can I foster?
If you are caring, patient and friendly, you’ll likely be able to handle the role of a foster carer well.
Why choose Olive Branch Fostering?
Here at Olive Branch, we are a friendly and supportive team of professionals that truly understand the needs of children and foster carers.
Allowances and benefits
Here at Olive Branch, we understand that fostering can be pretty demanding at times and is a full-time commitment; that’s why we pay our foster carers a generous fostering allowance that helps to support the foster child and acts as a reward for the carer, so they can focus on giving their foster child the best possible care.