Short-term fostering
Care while plans are made for a child’s future or their family receives support.
Start fostering
What is fostering—and could it be for you?
Fostering means giving a child a safe, stable home when they cannot live with their birth family. You do not need all the answers before you begin.
Why it matters
A home can restore a child’s sense of safety.
Alongside a place to stay, foster carers provide routine, patience, understanding and a sense of belonging during a time of uncertainty.
Long-term fostering
A stable family home where a child can grow and develop over a longer period.
Emergency and short breaks
Flexible care at short notice, or planned breaks that support another fostering family.
Baby fostering
Care for babies, where a separate spare room may not always be needed.
Who can foster?
There is no single type of foster carer.
You can be single or partnered, rent or own your home, be LGBTQ+, have pets or have no professional childcare experience. We consider the whole person and household.
- You are aged 21 or over
- You have a stable home
- You have time and emotional space
- You are open to learning
- You can work as part of a team
- You usually have a spare room
Your journey
Start with a conversation. Take each next step together.
The full assessment usually takes several months. We explain what is happening and make space for every question.
An informal first call
Tell us what has led you to fostering and what you want to understand.
A home visit
We get to know you, your household and the support around you.
Training and assessment
Skills to Foster training and thoughtful conversations help you prepare.
Panel and approval
An independent panel considers your assessment before matching begins.
Financial support
Clear weekly figures.
Allowances are paid per child while a child is placed with you. Enhancements may be added where a child’s individual needs warrant them.
£479.50
per week · aged 10 and under
£507.50
per week · aged 11 and over
Take the first step
Arrange a 15-minute call.
Leave your name and number and our fostering team will call you back. It is simply a chance to ask questions and see what feels right.
Not ready to talk?
That is completely fine.
Keep exploring in whichever way feels most comfortable.