Can I Foster? / Who Can Foster?
Fostering is open to people from all walks of life. You can be single, in a relationship, working full or part time, or retired. What’s important is your ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive home environment for a child or young person. AFA Fostering welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, as diversity helps us meet the individual needs of children in care. If you can offer time, understanding, and commitment, and have a spare room, fostering could be right for you.
AFA’s Approach
Our team will talk you through the process, answer any questions and guide you every step of the way. If you care deeply about helping children, fostering could be the perfect next step for you.
With the right attitude and support, you can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Enquire now
Make an enquiry to find out more abot how you can become a Foster parent.
FAQs
Check our FAQ for answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Book a call back
Need advice? Schedule a call with a friendly and knowledgable fostering advisor.
Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Your Fostering Journey
When you join AFA Fostering, you are never alone:
✔️ 24/7 support line
✔️ Dedicated social worker
✔️ Specialist training
✔️ Foster carer community
✔️ Practical step by step guidance
✔️ Therapeutic resources
✔️ Generous financial allowances
✔️ Social events for the whole family
What makes a good Foster Parent?
At AFA Fostering, we believe that great foster parents come from many different backgrounds.
The qualities we look for are:
✔️Resilience and determination
✔️ Warmth and honesty
✔️ Strong teamwork
✔️ Willingness to learn
✔️ Flexibility
✔️ Good organisation
✔️ Consistency
Finding out more is easy...
Our fostering advisors offer plenty of guidance and advice. They will talk you through what’s involved in fostering and the fostering assessment process. They will answer any questions you may have on the foster parent background checks, fostering allowances, and anything else you can think of. To get in touch, complete the short form below, give us a call, or pre-book a call back at a time that suits you.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can become a foster parent?
Fostering is open to people from many backgrounds. You can be single, married, in a partnership or divorced. You do not need to own your home or have children of your own.
Do I need a spare room?
Yes. Every foster child needs their own bedroom to feel safe, settled and respected. This is an essential requirement for fostering approval.
How long does it take to become a Foster Parent?
The process usually takes around four to six months from your initial enquiry to approval. This includes home visits, training, background checks and a full assessment. AFA’s team will support you through each stage, making sure you feel prepared and informed.
How much do Foster Parents get paid?
AFA Fostering offers a competitive fostering allowance, designed to cover the cost of caring for a child and recognise the important role Foster Parents play. The exact amount depends on the type of placement and the child’s needs. In addition to this allowance, you will receive ongoing training and 24/7 support.
What is involved in the fostering process?
The fostering process starts with an initial enquiry, followed by an informal home visit. You’ll then take part in training, background checks, and a full assessment carried out by a qualified social worker. Your application is then reviewed by an independent panel. Once approved, AFA works closely with you to match children to you and your home life and continues to support you every step of the way.
Do I need to be able to drive?
Being able to drive is very helpful, as foster parents often need to take children to school, appointments, and family contact sessions. In some circumstances, fostering without a car may be possible, but flexibility and reliable transport arrangements are essential.
Can I foster as a single person?
Absolutely! Single individuals can become successful foster carers, and their unique perspectives can bring valuable support to children in need.
Can I apply to be a Foster Parent if I have not had my own children?
Yes. We will look at what other experience you’ve had of caring for children. This could be through other family, work or voluntary activities. We provide training in caring for children as part of the assessment process. We would need to check with you that it is fostering rather than adoption you are looking to do.
Do I have to give up my job to foster?
No, but it’s often helpful if the main foster parent in a fostering household is available at all times. We cannot ask that you give up work to foster but it may limit the children you can look after.
Many children are not in school when they first come into care. There are a number of meetings you will be expected to attend with social workers, health services etc., as well as regular training sessions which are usually held during office hours. It may be difficult to manage these if you work full time as well.
We pay our foster parents a comprehensive allowance when they have a child placed with them. This covers the cost of looking after a child and reflects your choice to foster rather than carry out another job. This allowance should not normally affect other benefits you may receive. For the most part, foster parents pay little or no tax on their allowance.
Do I need to have childcare experience?
No. AFA provides full training and ongoing support. What matters most is that you are caring, patient and committed to making a difference.
Do I need to be a certain age to foster?
You must be at least 21 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit as long as you are healthy and able to meet a child’s needs.
Not ready to make an enquiry but looking for further information?
Fill in your details to receive our information pack, directly to your email address.
"flexible and accessible support and advice"
"AFA are keen to support and advocate the rights and views of both children and foster parents. The agency runs well and has flexible and accessible support and advice."
- Foster Parent
"Ofsted - Outstanding"
"The service’s support is such that carers go ‘above and beyond’ in their role, and staff are described as kind, supportive, knowledgeable and going out of their way to help."
- Ofsted Report
"People Who Really Care"
"I never underestimate how fortunate we are as a family to be supported by such amazing people who really care."
- Foster Parent
