Many people make room in their homes and hearts for children: but what about a child that isn't your own? Could you open your home and help children in need by becoming a foster parent?

Becoming a foster parent is a challenging yet highly rewarding career. Some children and young people are unable to live with their own families for a variety of reasons and desperately need more people to consider becoming foster parents.  

By becoming a foster parent you can help to nurture and protect vulnerable children and young people, leaving them with positive memories and the chance to achieve what every child deserves.

Becoming foster parents is an exciting career choice. Whether it's for a short period of time while a family get back on their feet or providing a permanent home, by becoming a foster parent you could change a life forever. If spare time is an issue for you, carers are also needed to offer temporary care (days and overnight) for children with disabilities so that their parents can get a much-needed break.

If you're considering becoming a fostering parent, committed, enthusiastic people is what we're looking for. People from all walks of life can foster, regardless of:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Sexuality
  • Disability
  • Single or in a relationship
  • Employed or unemployed
  • Homeowner or in rented accommodation

The only requirements are that you're over 21, have a spare room in your home and, of course, room in your heart to accommodate a child or young person. Becoming foster parents is an open, diverse career.

Becoming foster parents is a varied and exciting profession and everyday brings new experiences and challenges. Here are the main responsibilities that becoming foster parents involves:

  • Caring for children in your home and as part of your family, e.g. helping with homework, listening and caring, managing behaviour, and working closely with birth families and professionals.
  • Providing a safe environment and protecting children from harm and abuse.
  • Working with professionals and birth families, and keeping children's details confidential. Most children that are looked after continue to have contact with members of their family, which can be through meetings, phone calls and letters. As main carers, foster carers can play a primary role in facilitating this contact.