A safe home.
A steady adult.
That’s the heart of fostering.
Fostering means caring for a child who cannot live with their own family right now. It might be for a short time, or for many years.
The role, in everyday terms
- A safe home and a steady relationship.
- You work with the people around a child.
- Training helps you prepare for the difficult days.
What does a foster carer do?
Much of it is everyday family life: cooking, school runs, homework, appointments, activities and being there when a child needs you. The familiarity of those things can matter enormously to a child experiencing change.
You also work with the people around the child: social workers, teachers, health professionals and, where appropriate, their family. You keep records, attend meetings and take part in training.
Why do children need fostering?
Every child has their own story. Some families are going through a crisis; others cannot safely meet a child’s needs over a longer period. A child may have experienced loss, harm or repeated uncertainty.
You do not need to have all the answers. Your job is to offer safety and consistency, get to know the child and work with others to understand what helps.
There is more than one way to foster.
Short-term fostering
Long-term fostering
Emergency fostering
Short breaks
Parent-and-child fostering
How is fostering different from adoption?
Adoption creates a permanent legal parent–child relationship. Fostering does not transfer parental responsibility to you; who holds it depends on the child’s legal status. Some children return to family, while others remain in foster care long term.
Your social worker explains the child’s care plan, the decisions you can make and how you will work with their family.
Is it difficult?
It can be. Children may express fear, grief or uncertainty in ways that are hard to understand. Progress is not always straightforward, and relationships take time.
That is why preparation, thoughtful matching and ongoing support are essential. You are not expected to manage the role alone.
Curious?
That’s enough to start.
Ask us the question that’s been on your mind.
You don’t have to be ready to apply.