Who can foster

We work with a wonderfully diverse community of foster carers and welcome people from all walks of life to consider fostering.  

It doesn’t matter what your religious or cultural background is, whether you're single, married, divorced, in a civil partnership, a homeowner or renting, we believe you can foster.  

What's most important is that you are caring, patient, understanding and can offer the children and young people in your care a positive and loving environment.  

You don’t need special qualifications or childcare experience. We’ll provide on-going support and training programmes to develop your skills and fostering knowledge.  

All you need is to: 

• be at least 21 years-old 

• have a spare bedroom big enough for a child or young person to live in 

• to be a full-time resident in the UK or have the right to work in the UK

• to be able to give the time to care for a child or young person 

It’s also important that you can offer a smoke-free environment. 

Once approved, you will become part of a network of foster carers who, alongside your dedicated social worker, will provide you with on-going support and advice.  

People often rule themselves out of fostering because of the many myths surrounding fostering, such as 'I can't foster if I'm single' or 'I can't foster if I'm gay' or 'I can't foster if I don't have my own children'. Check out our Fostering FAQ page to help dispel some of these myths.