Child and Family Haven

Can I Foster?

There is no single profile of a foster carer. Here is a general sense of who fosters, and a short, informal starting point to help you think it through.

A baby with parents sitting together outside on the grass
Who Fosters?

Foster Carers Come From All Walks of Life

People who foster come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, professions and family situations. Some are single, others are in a couple; some have children of their own, others do not; some own their home, others rent. Foster carers may be in full-time work, part-time work, or not currently working at all.

What tends to matter most is not a particular lifestyle or career, but the ability to offer a child or young person a safe, stable home, along with the time, patience and resilience that fostering asks of you.

A Starting Point

Wondering If Fostering Could Be Right for You?

Answer a few short questions below. This is not an application and does not determine eligibility — it is simply a gentle way to start thinking things through.

A Quick, Informal Starting Point

This short set of questions is purely informative and is not an application or assessment. It cannot tell you whether you would be approved as a foster carer.

Are you aged 21 or over?
Are you a full-time UK resident, or do you have appropriate residency status?
Do you have a suitable spare bedroom?
Are you ready to make a significant, long-term commitment to a child or young person?

Eligibility and approval to foster are always determined through a full assessment process, which takes into account the specific regulatory and organisational requirements that apply. Nothing on this page constitutes a guarantee of approval.

Next Steps

Ready to Talk It Through?

If fostering feels like something worth exploring further, the next step is simply a conversation. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you are exploring fostering, looking for information or simply have a question, we would be pleased to hear from you.