Fostering is a way of offering children and young people a home when their own family are unable to look after them. This can be for a variety of reasons, from temporary illness to issues such as abuse within their home or the death of a primary carer. Fostering can be on a temporary basis lasting for one or two days. It can last for a few months or in certain cases years. Foster parents provide children with safe, stable homes for as long as they are needed.

Fostering is temporary whereas adoption is permanent. Adoptive parents become legally responsible for a child or young person until 18 and adopted children loses all legal ties with their “birth parents” and usually take their new family’s name.

Yes – some include emergency care, short-term and long-term fostering.

No, we will provide you with all the training you need. Carers are expected to participate in ongoing training courses to develop their skills. You can find out about the training and support standards for foster parents on the government website.

You have to be at least 25 years of age to foster with us.

No – you can be single, in a partnership, married or in a relationship. However, it is crucial that any relationship you are in is stable.

Yes. We welcome all applicants regardless of their sexual orientation or gender status.

You do not need to own your own home to foster.

Yes, while childcare experience can be helpful it Is not essential. If you have transferrable skills that coupled with our training and support will be all you need.

No, but you do have to be a full-time resident or have leave to remain.

All foster parents are paid a weekly fostering allowance to cover the full costs of caring for a child (i.e. clothing, food, pocket money, travel and their leisure activities).

Yes, but many foster carers prefer to foster full-time, so they are always available to meet the needs of the child they are caring for (i.e. attending meetings, taking part in training, etc.).