Menu
Donate

Fostering

There's an urgent need for the recruitment of over 9,000 new foster families in the UK. Could you give a young person a safe and loving home?
Request your free guide to fostering today
Happy father and mother holding daughters hands and walking through woods
Who can foster?
Almost anyone is the simple answer. There are some requirements you will need to meet, including having a spare room and being a resident in the UK
Who can foster?
A teenage boy sits in class and looks at the camera as his tutor stands in the background. He is wearing casual clothing.
Types of fostering
There are lots of different types of foster care that Action for Children Fostering can help with.
Types of fostering
Child's clothes.jpg
Fostering fees and allowances
Foster carers receive a fee, case specific allowances and tax benefits to support them while fostering.
Fees and allowances

What is fostering?

Fostering is caring for a child or young person in your home who, for whatever reason, can’t live with their birth family.

A child may need a home until they become adults, or only for a little while. We find foster homes for children of all ages.

Children and young people who enter the care system have often experienced trauma in their lives. A foster carer will need support and training to best meet the emotional needs of their young person.

A foster carer needs to be able to dedicate time to their foster child and be there for them when needed.

At Action for Children Fostering we recognise that being a foster carer is a huge commitment. It can be extremely rewarding but it can also have many challenges. We provide full training and offer 24/7 professional support. We look after our foster carers so that they can look after the children who need them.

Happy grandfather and grandson walking together and holding hands
Let's chat
Want to ask a question, need more information, or are you ready to begin your fostering journey?
Chat with your local fostering team

Can I foster?

Yes you probably can – is the simple answer.

Action For Children Fostering welcomes potential foster carers from all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, with physical disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. You can be married, single, a tenant or a homeowner. If you have space in your heart to change a child’s life for the better, you can be a good foster carer.

There are some requirements you will need to meet; including having a spare room and being resident in the UK, but it is also important for foster carers to have the desire to help and care for vulnerable young people.

Family gathering
Find out more about who can foster
We're experts in matching children with the most appropriate foster families
Who can foster

Why foster?

Children who need to be fostered are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

To be instrumental in their protection and development is an opportunity and a privilege.

Everyone’s welcome

It’s really important that our foster carers reflect current, diverse family structures in society. We’re committed to being fair and inclusive across our whole organisation and welcome foster carers from all walks of life. We believe in promoting equality, valuing diversity, and working inclusively. As long as you have space in your heart to care for a young person in need, Action for Children Fostering welcomes and encourages you to apply to join our fostering family.

Happy lesbian mothers sitting and laughing on a bench with young son
Still have questions?
We have dedicated teams around the UK who can help you on your fostering journey.
Contact my local team

Faith in fostering

Faith groups teach the importance of love, kindness and compassion, in particular when dealing with children and young people. These qualities are essential for good foster carers.

The love and nurture that foster carers give to the young people in their care makes them extra special as they’re caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Group of children sitting and smiling fun
Request your free guide to fostering today
Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to a member of our friendly fostering team, we’re here to help.
Request your guide to fostering

Why choose Action for Children?

As a charity, our priority is children, not profit. Our goal is to find the best home for a young person and to support our foster carers to give everyone the security and support that they deserve.

We offer 24 hour support, regular support groups, extensive training and a whole lot more.

Curious looking young boy
Already with a fostering agency?
Transferring to Action for Children Fostering is easy, even if you already have a foster child. Learn about the transfer process and the extra support and benefits we can provide you with.
Transfer to us

Our children

More than 30,000 children enter the care system each year.

We never underestimate how vital the role of a foster carer is on a child or young persons' life.

Frequently asked questions

If you still have questions like 'will I get an allowance for fostering?' (yes), 'am I too old to be a foster carer?' (no), 'do I need to have a spare room?' (yes) 'do I need to own my own home?' (no), then visit our fostering FAQs.

Foster Families
Fostering FAQs
View our most frequently asked questions
Visit fostering FAQs
Family photo
Ready to begin your fostering journey?
If you’re ready to speak to someone to further explore your interest in becoming a foster carer, chat with us today.
Chat with us today

Not quite ready?

That's fine, we understand that this is a big decision. Why not keep up to date with our fostering services by following us on our social media platforms?

Fostering blogs

Find out more about what we do, read inspirational stories and discover what it means to be a foster carer.