Foster care provides vulnerable children and young people with a temporary, safe place to live when they’re unable to stay with their birth family. However, fostering is much more than simply offering a roof over a child's head; it’s about shaping their future. Whether a placement lasts two nights or two years, foster parents can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Why Children Need to Be Fostered

Children are only ever removed from their homes if the environment poses a direct threat to their safety or if a serious issue has occurred that makes it impossible for the child to be looked after by their family. While neglect and abuse are common reasons, children may need foster care for a range of other reasons, including:

- Short-Term Illness of a parent

- Temporary Family Issues that compromise a child's safety

- Loss or Death within the family

- Domestic Violence

- Parent's Incarceration

Foster families provide a vital role in creating a stable, nurturing environment for these children, giving them the space to grow, heal, and develop during a time of crisis.

Types of Fostering

1. Short-Term Fostering

Short-term fostering is the most common type of fostering, providing temporary care for children and young people who need to be looked after while long-term solutions are worked out. This type of fostering can last from a few days to up to two years. It allows foster parents to make a significant impact during a time of immense change in a child's life.

2. Long-Term Fostering

Long-term fostering involves a child or young person staying with a committed foster parent until they reach adulthood. This provides the consistency and stability that children need, allowing them to grow up within one family and develop a greater sense of belonging. It also helps them to settle in a local community and build positive, lasting relationships.

3. Respite Fostering

Respite foster care offers a much-needed break to other foster parents or birth families. It usually lasts between a couple of days to a week, often on weekends or during school holidays. As a respite foster carer, you provide a safe and caring environment, allowing other families to rest and recharge.

4. Emergency Fostering

Emergency fostering occurs when a child or young person needs to be moved to a safe environment urgently, often with only a few hours’ notice. This may be due to a severe incident of violence, a parent’s sudden illness, or an unexpected family crisis. 

Why Choose Us?

We’re rated Outstanding by Ofsted, which means we’re fully committed to the welfare of both the children in our care and our foster families. Here’s what Ofsted 2023 had to say about us: 

"Children participate in a very wide range of social, educational, and recreational activities. This broadens their experiences, and they have fun. The fostering service routinely makes a significant contribution to the funding of children’s holidays, so they do not miss out on family vacations. The support team ensures that events and trips are organized during school holidays. Children largely choose these activities themselves."

Who Can Foster?

Fostering is open to people from all walks of life. We welcome applications regardless of your marital status, sexual orientation, religious or cultural background, or whether you have a disability or medical condition, as long as it’s stable and doesn’t impact your ability to care for a child. You can foster if you:

- Are at least 21 years old

- Have a stable home environment with a spare bed for the child

- Enjoy spending time with children and young people

- Have no criminal convictions related to violence or sexual offenses against children

- Are willing to attend training courses designed to help foster carers in the vital work they do

- Are available to meet with all people involved in the child’s life

Common Questions:

1. Can I foster if I am currently unemployed?

Yes, your availability will be reviewed if your employment circumstances change. Being at home can provide stability and consistency for a child in care.

2. Can I foster if I am working?

Yes, as long as you have sufficient time to devote to the child's needs.

3. Can I foster if I do not own my home?

Yes, you need to show that you can provide a safe, secure environment, whether you own or rent your home.

4. Can I foster if I already have children of my own?

Yes, but it’s important to discuss fostering with your children to ensure they are happy with your decision.

5. Can I foster if I have a criminal conviction?

It depends on the nature of the conviction, when it was committed, and how you have lived since. However, convictions for violence or sexual offenses against children will automatically exclude you. All applicants undergo a criminal records check.

Why Fostering Matters

Fostering isn’t just a temporary solution; it’s a pathway to a brighter future for children in need. It provides the structure, care, and love that every child deserves and can help families to stay together in the long run. Whether you’re providing a safe space for a child for a few days, months, or even years, you are making an impact that lasts a lifetime.

If you feel you could offer a safe and loving home to a child or young person in need, reach out to us today.

Ready to make a difference? Call us today at 0800 246 5111 or request an info pack to find out more.