What is fostering?

Many of the children who need a foster home have brothers or sisters. We look for foster carers with more than one spare room to help keep siblings together. This is really important to give children a sense of stability.

Learn why keeping siblings together matters

In some parts of the UK, we need foster carers to look after parents who have their own children. This type of fostering usually lasts around three months. You’ll work with professionals to help these mums or dads with their parenting skills.

We also look for short break foster carers who have the skills and experience to support children with disabilities. You’ll get specialist training and supervision based on the child’s needs.

Our two specialist services are in Devon and South Wales.

Children and young people who have come to the UK seeking asylum may need a home. This can be while their residency status or application gets decided or after they’ve been approved.

Many of our foster carers give children a long-term home until they’re ready to live on their own. Some young people stay with their foster family into adulthood, whether they study or work. This is what we call “staying put”.

Read why "staying put" was the best choice for Dionne's foster child

Other foster carers look after children who need somewhere to live temporarily. Some may even specialise in looking after children for a short amount of time.

In some parts of the UK, we look for short break carers. This allows a foster carer to look after a child or young people for a few days, usually on a regular basis. It allows a family or a full-time foster care to rest and have a break.