About the children

Who needs fostering?

Thousands of children in England need a safe, stable home while their families work through difficulties. Each age and situation brings its own rhythms. Here is an honest picture of what to expect. Every child who arrives also brings rights of their own: more in what rights a child in foster care has.

OfstedRated Good · leadership Outstanding (Nov 2024)

Babies and infants

Some of the youngest children come into care because their parents cannot look after them safely right now. Caring for a baby means round-the-clock attention, patience with sleep and feeding as they settle, and building attachment quickly. The reward is watching a small child grow safe and loved from the very start.

Toddlers and pre-schoolers

Full of energy, curiosity and imagination. And sometimes struggling with change, separation and big feelings that come out as tantrums. They need a safe, stimulating home, a sense of humour, and an adult who stays calm while they learn the world can be predictable.

Primary school-aged children

A critical stage for school and friendships. Children this age may find trust hard and emotions harder, showing it by pushing away or going quiet. They need reliability: homework help, routines that hold, and an adult who does not give up. More in fostering a child aged 8 and over.

Teenagers

The group who need fostering most, and the group people most often talk themselves out of. Teenagers may test trust, struggle with their emotions, or have found unsafe ways of coping. What they need is respect, someone who listens without judging, and help building the life skills that lead to independence. Some are also targeted by people who exploit them: more in what county lines is, and how to spot the signs. Some arrived in the UK alone: more in fostering an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child.

Children with additional needs

Some children need specialist care for physical, cognitive or communication needs, sometimes with equipment or therapies involved. Carers work closely with health professionals, and the training reflects it. Helping a child with additional needs thrive is some of the most skilled fostering there is. More on one specific need: what is FASD, and how does it affect a child in foster care.

Parent and child

Sometimes you foster a parent and their baby together. Usually a young parent learning to look after their child, with you providing a safe home, guidance and encouragement while assessments are completed. It is intensive, and it can keep a family together.

Brothers and sisters

Siblings often come into care on the same day, and staying together matters enormously. Carers who can take two or more children are always needed. More in keeping brothers and sisters together. Many children also won’t share your ethnicity, faith or first language: more in fostering a child of a different ethnicity or faith.

Somewhere near you, one of these children needs a home.

Tell us who you could see yourself caring for, and we will be honest about the need in your area.