Could I foster?

You might be
more ready than you think.

You do not need a perfect life or a particular kind of family. What matters is whether you can offer a safe, stable home and make space for a child’s needs.

Call 020 8347 8741

Start with the life you have

Renting or being single does not rule you out.
Your time, home and support network matter.
An enquiry is a conversation before an application.

In this guide

Start with your actual circumstances.The questions people ask first What you do need How do you apply?When do payments start?

Start with your actual circumstances.

You can be single or in a relationship, rent or own your home, and have children of your own or no parenting experience. Your background, ethnicity, faith and sexuality do not determine the care you could offer.

Assessment looks at your whole household: your health, time, relationships, support network and ability to meet a child’s needs. You will receive training before approval.

Read GOV.UK’s guide to becoming a foster parent.

The questions people ask first

I rent my home. Can I foster?

Yes, renting does not rule you out. What matters is a stable home, suitable space and permission to use the property for fostering where needed. We’ll talk through your tenancy with you.

Can I foster on my own?

Yes. Single people can foster. We’ll explore the time and support you have available, just as we would with any household.

Am I too old to foster?

There is no fixed upper age limit. Your health, energy, circumstances and ability to meet a child’s needs matter more than a number.

Can I keep working?

It may be possible. It depends on your hours, flexibility, support network and the needs of the child. School holidays, appointments and unexpected changes all need thinking through.

What about pets or my own children?

Neither automatically rules you out. We get to know everyone in your household—including pets—and consider how fostering could work safely for the whole family.

Do I need a spare bedroom?

Usually, yes. A child normally needs their own bedroom. Any exception for a baby depends on individual assessment and safe-care arrangements, so please talk to us before ruling yourself in or out.

What you do need

A safe, stable home with suitable space.
Time and flexibility for a child, including appointments and unexpected changes.
Patience, emotional resilience and a willingness to reflect.
People you can turn to for practical and emotional support.
A willingness to train, keep records and work alongside a professional team.

How do you apply?

Begin with a conversation. If you would like to continue, we arrange a home visit and explain the application, checks, training and assessment.

The whole process often takes around four to six months, though circumstances vary. The fostering panel makes a recommendation and the Agency Decision Maker makes the final decision.

When do payments start?

You are not paid during the application or assessment. Standard payments begin when you are approved and a child comes to live with you. Matching is based on children’s needs; approval does not guarantee an immediate placement.

Child aged 0–10

£479.50

per child, per week

Young person aged 11+

£507.50

per child, per week

Parent and child

£987

per arrangement, per week

Published standard rates, checked 7 September 2026. Paid while a child or parent-and-child arrangement is with you. These payments include the costs of care; they are not take-home salary.

A small first step

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.

You might bemore ready than you think.