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Understanding fostering

Whether you’re interested in fostering or simply want to learn more about this vital role, here we have all the information you need to get started. We aim to help you understand fostering, by providing you with a comprehensive overview of what it involves and the requirements for becoming a foster carer.

What is fostering?

Fostering is looking after babies, children and young people who are in need of a safe, stable family environment.

Who can foster?

Single, married, under 30, over 50, homeowner, tenant...your ability to care for and nurture a child is what matters most.

What can disqualify you from fostering?

Although the process of becoming a foster carer is thorough, there are only a few factors that would disqualify you from applying to become one.

Can I foster?

Check if you can apply to be a foster carer.

Foster carer or foster parent?

Some carers prefer ’foster carer’, while others prefer ‘foster parent’, is there a difference?

Spare rooms and fostering

You’ll need to be able to give your foster child a room that will be their bedroom, which is for their use only.

Respite Foster Care

As a Respite Foster Carer, you will provide short term care for foster children when their foster parents need some time to themselves.

Therapeutic fostering

A specialised form of fostering that aims to provide support and care for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

Mockingbird Family Model

Placing foster families in a hub-and-spoke arrangement to provide support, training and resources to foster children, foster families, foster services and birth families.

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Find out if you could be a foster carer
Find out if you could be a foster carer
In a few simple questions, you’ll know if you’re suitable to apply to become a foster carer.