What is Fostering?

Foster care is a system in which a minor has been placed into a ward, group home, or private home of a state-certified caregiver, referred to as a "foster parent" or with a family member approved by the state. The placement of the child is normally arranged through the government or a social service agency.

To be a foster parent in the UK means caring for a child as part of your family. To become a foster parent you need to be:

•  at least 21 years old

•  a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain

• able to take care of a child or young person, often on a full-time basis

How long you care for the child depends on the type of foster care. It can range from one night to many years, or until the child is an adult.

You may be able to work and foster. Whether you can will depend on the child’s circumstances and the fostering service you apply to. This can be your local council or an independent fostering agency.

You do not need to own your home, but usually you will need to have a spare bedroom.

Before you can foster, you must pass an assessment to check that you’re able to care for a child. You will not be assessed on your age, ethnicity, gender, marital status, religion or sexual orientation.

You do not have a statutory right to time off work to care for foster children.