How to Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing journey – one that can transform a child’s future and enrich your own life. All across the UK, children of all ages need safe, loving homes where they can feel part of a family. However, there is currently a significant shortage of foster carers nationwide. This means caring people like you are in high demand to step up and provide stability and support for vulnerable young people. If you’ve ever felt the urge to make a difference or wondered what fostering involves, this guide will help you understand how to get started. It’s natural to have questions and even doubts, but with the right information and support, you could be on your way to becoming a foster carer and making a lasting positive impact.

What Is Fostering / foster care? 

Fostering means welcoming a child or teenager into your home and caring for them as part of your family when they cannot live with their own parents or guardians. As a foster carer, you provide day-to-day care, love, and guidance to a child in need – whether it’s for a single weekend or for several years. Unlike adoption, fostering is usually a temporary arrangement (though sometimes long-term) and the local authority or fostering agency retains legal responsibility for the child. How long a young person stays with you can vary widely depending on their situation – it could be an emergency overnight stay, a few months, or until they reach adulthood gov.uk.

The goal of fostering is to provide a safe, nurturing environment during a difficult period in a child’s life. In many cases, foster care gives birth families time to resolve issues with the hope that children can return home, or it provides a bridge until a permanent solution (like long-term fostering or adoption) is found. Foster carers play a crucial role by offering stability and care at a time when a child needs it most. You’ll work closely with social workers, teachers, and other professionals as part of a team to support the child. Being a foster carer in the UK is viewed as a professional role – you are essentially caring for someone else’s child on behalf of the community, with all the responsibilities and rewards that entails. It’s challenging, yes, but also incredibly rewarding to see a frightened or troubled young person grow and flourish in your care.

Who Can Become a Foster Carer?

One of the most encouraging facts about fostering is that people from all walks of life can become foster carers. There is no single “ideal” profile – successful foster families come in all shapes and sizes. In the UK, you don’t need formal qualifications or to be wealthy; what matters most is your ability to provide a stable, caring home for a child. Here are the basic requirements and considerations for becoming a foster carer:

• Age: You must be an adult. Legally you can foster from age 18, though most fostering services require you to be at least 21. (Some agencies, such as Homefinding & Fostering, ask that applicants be over 25 years old). There is no official upper age limit – many foster carers continue well into their 60s and 70s, as long as they are healthy and energetic enough to care for a child.
• Residence: You should be a full-time resident of the UK with the right to work in the UK. Foster carers can be homeowners or tenants; you do not need to own your home. What you do need is a secure and welcoming household to share.
• Space: You must have a spare bedroom available for a foster child. This is a firm requirement for fostering – every child in care needs their own space where they feel safe and can have privacy. (The only exception might be fostering very young babies, but generally a separate bedroom is expected.)
• Personal Qualities: You need to be capable of caring for a child or young person full-time – this includes having patience, empathy, and the commitment to meet a child’s needs daily. Foster carers must be emotionally resilient, understanding that many children in care have experienced trauma or instability. No one is expected to be a superhero or expert from day one; qualities like warmth, stability, good communication, and a willingness to learn are key.
• Time and Availability: Fostering is a significant commitment of time and energy. You don’t necessarily have to be unemployed or at home all day, but you do need enough flexibility in your schedule to put the child first. This means being there for school runs, appointments, contact meetings with birth family, etc., and attending training or support sessions. Some foster carers continue to work part-time or have flexible jobs; others choose to foster as their primary focus. It’s important that your lifestyle (and employer, if applicable) can accommodate the demands of fostering.
• Health and Background: You should be in suitable health to care for children (a medical check will be part of the assessment). Disabilities or health issues don’t automatically disqualify you – what matters is that you can keep a child safe and meet their needs. You will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check (criminal record check) for safeguarding purposes. Having a criminal record doesn’t always rule you out; minor or old convictions may be considered, but serious offenses (especially against children) will prevent approval. The fostering agency will discuss any background concerns with you openly.

Beyond these basics, there are very few barriers to fostering. You can be single, married, cohabiting, or in a civil partnership; you can be LGBTQ+; you can already have children of your own (or none); you can be retired or unemployed – none of these factors will stop you from fostering as long as you can provide a loving, stable environment. You don’t need to have parenting experience or your own children (though any experience with kids is helpful). What you absolutely need is compassion, stability, and a willingness to learn. Fostering agencies actually value diversity in their carers, because every child is different and needs something unique. Whether you’re 25 or 55, renting a flat in the city or living in a country cottage, what counts is that you have room in your home and heart for a child. If you do, chances are you can become a foster carer.

(One practical note: If you have a partner, most agencies ask that your relationship be stable – for example, Homefinding & Fostering recommends couples have been together at least two years before fostering. And if you’re planning to move house soon, it’s usually best to settle in before a child is placed with you. These measures help ensure stability for everyone.)

The Application Process of How To Become A Foster Carer  

Deciding to foster is a big step, but foster agencies and local authorities will guide you through a clear process to become approved. You won’t be thrown in at the deep end – the application and assessment journey is designed to help both you and the agency determine if fostering is right for you. Here’s what the process typically looks like in the UK:

1. Initial Inquiry: The first step is simply reaching out about how to become a foster carer. You can contact your local council’s fostering team or an independent fostering agency (like Homefinding & Fostering) by phone, email, or an online form to express your interest. This initial inquiry is just a friendly conversation – you’ll be able to ask questions and get basic information. The fostering service will want to know a few key details about you as well (for example, they’ll usually ask if you meet the basic criteria, such as having a spare bedroom and being over the required age). Don’t worry if you’re unsure about anything at this stage; the aim is to get to know each other. If after this chat you feel ready to proceed (and the agency agrees you meet the minimum requirements), they will move you to the next step.
2. Initial Home Visit: Next, a fostering advisor or social worker will arrange to visit you at home. This visit is a bit like an informal interview and a chance for you to learn more. They will come to meet you (and your family, if applicable) in person, see your home environment, and make sure that the space is suitable for a child. They’ll check that the home is safe and that the spare room is appropriate for a young person. Just as important, this is an opportunity to discuss your motivation for fostering and any questions or concerns you might have. Many people feel nervous about the home visit, but there’s no need to be – it’s not about a white-glove inspection of your house. The social worker simply wants to ensure you can provide a secure, welcoming home and to help you understand the realities of fostering. By the end of this visit, both you and the agency should have a better feel for moving forward.
3. Formal Application & Assessment: If you’re happy to proceed after the home visit, you will complete a formal application form, and the agency will start the in-depth assessment process. You’ll be assigned an assessing social worker who will work with you through the assessment (often called a “Form F” assessment in England). This is the longest part of the journey – it typically takes a few months of meetings and preparation. The assessing social worker will visit you (at home or sometimes virtually) several times to get a full picture of your life, background, experience, and what you can offer as a foster carer.  You’ll discuss your upbringing, relationships, support network, lifestyle, and practical things like how you would approach caring for a child. It might feel a bit intrusive at times, but remember the purpose is to ensure children in care will be safe and well looked after. Everyone involved wants you to succeed.

During this stage, you will also undergo various background checks and references. The essential checks include an enhanced DBS check (to screen for any criminal history) and a medical examination with your GP to confirm you are fit and well. You’ll usually be asked to provide personal references (people who know you well and can speak to your character – often a relative and a friend or colleague). If you have adult children or ex-partners, the assessor might talk to them as well as part of building a full picture. These checks can sound daunting, but agencies will guide you through each requirement. Even if something comes up – for example, a minor past conviction – it does not automatically bar you from fostering. The important thing is to be honest and open, so the agency can discuss any issues with you. Throughout the assessment, your social worker is also there to answer your questions and help you reflect on how fostering will impact your life.

1. Preparation Training: As part of your assessment, you will attend a pre-approval training course, often called “Skills to Foster,” usually spread over a few days. This training is typically mandatory for all new foster carers (and it’s actually a great opportunity to learn and prepare). In the course, experienced trainers (and sometimes current foster carers) will introduce you to key aspects of the role. You’ll cover topics such as why children come into care, how trauma or loss can affect a child’s behaviour, safe caring skills, how to handle contact with birth families, and working as part of a professional team. Don’t worry – nobody expects you to become an expert in three days. The idea is to give you insight and practical tools, and also to give you a taste of what fostering might be like. Many people find it helpful to meet others going through the same process during training; you might even make friends with fellow prospective carers. By the end of the course, you should have a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of fostering, which will help you (and the agency) confirm that this path is right for you.
2. Fostering Panel: After your assessment is completed (including the Form F report, training, and all checks), the final hurdle is the fostering panel. This is a meeting where an independent panel reviews your assessment and decides whether to recommend your approval as a foster carer. A fostering panel is typically composed of around 6 to 10 people with expertise or experience in childcare – for example, independent social workers, foster carers, someone with education or health background, etc. They will have read your assessment report beforehand. You (and your partner, if applying together) will be invited to attend the panel meeting, usually held at the agency’s office or via video. It’s normal to feel nervous, but keep in mind the panel is on your side – they just want to ensure that fostering is a good fit for you and that you understand what’s involved. There’s no set list of questions they will ask; typically, they might ask about things in your assessment or your experience. For example, if you are applying as a single carer, they might ask about your support network or if you have a pet, they might ask how the pet is with children. This is your chance to highlight your strengths and also discuss any concerns. The panel will then make a recommendation: they can recommend to approve you as a foster carer (sometimes with certain terms, like a suggested age range or number of children), or they might defer a decision if they feel they need more information. It’s quite rare at this stage to be turned down outright, because by this point the agency has invested in you and wants you to succeed.
3. Approval: After the panel makes its recommendation, a decision-maker at the fostering service will officially approve you as a foster carer (assuming the recommendation was positive!). Congratulations – you are now an approved foster carer! You’ll sign a foster carer agreement, which is a document outlining the expectations and support you will receive. Your fostering journey truly begins here. You will be introduced to your supervising social worker (this is the person assigned to support and supervise you now that you’re an active carer). The agency’s placements team will also get to know you so they can start matching you with a suitable child or young person in need of a home. Depending on the urgency and the types of children you’re open to fostering, you might receive your first placement very quickly, or it could take some time – your agency will keep you informed.

One thing that is extremely important to highlight and possibly one of the things people are rightly worried about when thinking about how to become a foster carer is the support process... Throughout this whole process, remember that you are not alone. The fostering team will be working alongside you, preparing you and answering your questions at every stage. From that first phone call all the way to approval, their job is to help you become the best foster carer you can be. In some cases the assessment journey can be completed in as little as 3–4 months (especially if you’ve fostered before or everything moves swiftly). More commonly it might take around 4 to 6 months to get approved – it all depends on factors like how quickly references and checks come back, your availability for training, etc. It may feel lengthy, but this time is valuable for building your understanding and confidence. By the end of it, you’ll be fully prepared to welcome a child into your home, with a whole team of professionals ready to back you up. Many new foster carers later say they appreciated the thorough training and assessment, as it made them feel truly ready. And as one agency notes, almost all of their foster carers say they wish they had started fostering sooner.

Foster Carer Training and Support

Training and support for foster carers in the UK is extensive – you will never be expected to “just figure it out” on your own. Fostering may bring challenges, but there is a strong support system in place to help you meet them. Right from the assessment stage and continuing throughout your fostering career, you’ll have opportunities to learn, develop your skills, and get help when you need it.

• Initial Training: As mentioned, you will complete a preparatory training (Skills to Foster course) before approval. Once you’re approved, many agencies provide additional induction training modules to further prepare you before a child arrives. The learning doesn’t stop there – your first year as a foster carer is considered a foundational training period. In fact, all new foster carers in England are expected to complete the Training, Support and Development Standards (TSD) workbook within 12 months of approval. This is a national workbook where you provide evidence of your skills and knowledge in various areas of foster care, ensuring you reach a good baseline of competence. Don’t worry, you won’t be left to do this alone – your agency will guide you through it. Completing the TSD standards is a valuable process that builds your confidence and helps you reflect on your learning. Many foster carers also have the chance to work towards recognised qualifications (like diplomas in childcare) over time, but these are usually optional.
• Ongoing Training: Foster care is an evolving role – as children grow and new challenges arise, there is always more to learn. Fostering services offer a wide variety of ongoing training courses and workshops. For example, in your first year you will likely attend core courses on topics such as safeguarding, understanding attachment and trauma, first aid, and how to manage challenging behaviour. As you continue fostering, you can take more specialised training – from dealing with teens and social media, to therapeutic parenting techniques, to supporting children with special needs. Training sessions might be in-person or online and are often free for approved carers. They not only teach you valuable skills, but also give you a chance to meet and share experiences with other foster carers. Agencies aim to provide training that is relevant to the needs of the children in your care, and if new issues emerge (say, a rise in a certain risk like county lines exploitation), you may see new training developed to help carers handle it.  In short, you will be continuously learning, and good agencies really invest in their carers’ development. Many carers find that they gain transferrable skills and even formal qualifications through fostering training, which can be beneficial beyond fostering too.
• Your Support Network: When you foster, you might be caring for a child in your home on a day-to-day basis, but you are not doing it in isolation. Fostering is very much a team effort. As an approved carer, you will be assigned a Supervising Social Worker (SSW) – this is your main point of contact for support and supervision. Your SSW will visit you regularly (typically every few weeks) to check how things are going, offer advice, and make sure you have what you need. They are also just a phone call away whenever you have questions or if any issues arise. In fact, fostering agencies have systems to ensure someone is available 24 hours a day to help you: if an emergency or urgent concern comes up outside of office hours, there will be an on-call duty social worker you can reach at any time, day or night. Many carers say this out-of-hours support is a huge reassurance – you never have to face a crisis alone.

Aside from your social worker, you will also often be connected with peer support. Some agencies have a buddy or mentoring scheme, where a more experienced foster carer is paired with you during your first year to offer guidance and a listening ear. There are also local support groups, coffee mornings, or online forums where you can connect with fellow foster carers. Sharing experiences with people who understand can be incredibly helpful. You’ll find that foster carers are a friendly and supportive community – after all, they know the unique joys and challenges of this role. Many agencies also organise events and activities for their carers and the children – from holiday parties to days out – which helps create a sense of family and camaraderie among fostering families. Don’t hesitate to lean on these support networks; they exist because nobody expects you to handle fostering alone.

• Financial Support and Respite: Fostering is a volunteering role at heart, but it is financially supported so that carers are not out-of-pocket for looking after a child. As a foster carer, you receive a fostering allowance – essentially a payment for each child placed with you, meant to cover the child’s needs (food, clothing, activities, etc.) and also recognise your time and skills. The allowance varies by age of child and type of placement, but it is significant. For example, Homefinding & Fostering ensures its carers receive a minimum of about £440–£470 per week for each child in a standard placement, with higher rates for more complex needs or sibling groups. This can amount to over £20,000 per year for caring for one child, and more if you foster multiple children or specialist placements. While no one gets rich from fostering, you should not be worrying about affording to care for the child – the funding is there to support you in providing for them. In addition to the allowance, foster carers qualify for tax relief on their fostering income (the government provides substantial tax exemptions for foster carers), meaning many foster families pay little or no income tax on their fostering payments. You’ll also usually be classed as self-employed, with access to simplified tools for filing taxes on foster income.

Another vital form of support is respite. Fostering is rewarding, but it can also be intense, and everyone needs a break occasionally. Most agencies offer respite care arrangements – for example, Homefinding & Fostering gives carers 14 days of paid respite per year where another approved carer can look after the child so you can take a short break. This might be used for a weekend away or just to recharge when needed. Knowing that you have respite available can be a relief and helps prevent burnout. There is also additional practical support available: many fostering services have support workers who can assist with things like transporting children to school or appointments, especially if you have overlapping commitments. The key takeaway is that support for foster carers is comprehensive – financially, practically, and emotionally, you will be backed by your agency or local authority. From regular social worker check-ins and 24/7 helplines to training workshops and peer support, the system is designed so that foster carers are set up to succeed and provide the best care possible.

How To Become A Foster Casrer and Why To Foster?

Fostering is often described as a journey like no other – one with profound rewards. People choose to foster for many different reasons, but at the heart of it is usually a desire to make a positive difference in a child’s life. When you become a foster carer, you have the chance to offer something truly transformational: a safe, loving, and supportive home to a child who may never have experienced one before. The impact of that can be extraordinary. Children in foster care often blossom when they feel cared for, sometimes for the first time – their confidence grows, their smiles return, and they start to believe in themselves. As Ofsted once noted in a report, “Children benefit from positive relationships with their foster carers and make good progress from their starting points. Children feel part of the family and that their foster carers help them.” By fostering, you could be the person who provides stability for a frightened toddler, or who encourages a teenager to pursue their dreams, or who keeps siblings together when they would otherwise be separated. The day-to-day moments – eating dinner together, helping with homework, celebrating a birthday – these are the experiences that heal and nurture young people who have been through tough times. Knowing that you played a role in turning a child’s life around is incredibly rewarding.

Fostering is not only beneficial for the child – it can be deeply fulfilling for you as the carer, too. Many foster carers say that fostering enriched their lives, gave them a sense of purpose, and taught them new perspectives on love, patience, and family. It’s often a chance to use life skills you already have (or even to channel that caring “empty nest” energy once your own children have grown up) into something meaningful. One foster carer described it as “a rewarding way of overcoming emptiness and making a positive difference in a young person’s life, teaching valuable skills and steering them onto the path of a brighter future.” Yes, there will be challenges – there may be days that test your patience, or goodbyes that tug at your heart – but there will also be the joy of seeing a child achieve their goals, the pride of hearing a child call your house their home, and the simple fun of making new happy memories together. You will also become part of a wider community of carers and professionals all dedicated to helping children, which can be inspiring in itself.

Importantly, foster carers are urgently needed in the UK right now, so by stepping forward you are answering a critical call. Each new foster carer means one more child can live in a supportive family instead of uncertain arrangements. It’s no exaggeration to say that foster carers are the unsung heroes holding our social fabric together – without them, thousands of children would have nowhere to go. By choosing to foster, you could change not just one life, but potentially many lives over the years. And you’ll find that fostering changes you as well, in beautiful ways. Nearly everyone who fosters speaks about the sense of accomplishment and love it brings. In fact, a survey of experienced carers revealed that most wish they had started fostering earlier if they could – that’s how much they value the experience.

Become A Foster Carer Next Steps

Deciding to become a foster carer is a big decision, but if you feel that spark – that inspiration to open your home and heart to a child – then take the next step and find out more. Reach out to a reputable fostering service (either your local authority or an independent agency) and have a conversation. Ask questions, share your hopes and worries, and learn what fostering could mean for you. There’s no pressure or commitment just by inquiring. The fostering community is warm and welcoming, and social workers will be happy to talk you through the process or send you an information pack. Even if you’re only curious, getting in touch can help you decide if this is right for you.

Remember, you will be supported at every stage – from training before a child arrives, to the 24/7 support once you’re caring for a child, you won’t be alone in this journey. Fostering will have its challenges, but the difference you can make is immeasurable. Every big journey begins with a single step. Perhaps your next step is to pick up the phone or fill out an enquiry form and say, “I’m interested in becoming a foster carer – what do I need to do?” By doing so, you could soon be on your way to providing a child in need with the family and future they deserve. It’s an incredible journey to embark on, and it all starts with that first reach out.

Your compassion, your home, and your commitment can change a young person’s life. If you’re ready to explore fostering, the opportunity is waiting – and a child out there may be waiting for someone just like you.