Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people who need safety, stability, and support during challenging times. At Foundation Care, we believe that anyone with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help can become a successful foster carer — regardless of background, marital status, or experience. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I be a foster carer?”, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process and how to start your fostering journey with Foundation Care.

Who Can Become a Foster Carer?

Many people assume fostering is only for certain types of families, but that’s not the case. At Foundation Care, we welcome carers from all walks of life. You can apply to become a foster care whether you are single, married, renting, or own your home. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for a child or young person.

To become a foster carer, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 21 years old (though there’s no upper age limit)
• Have a spare bedroom for the child
• Be in good health to care for a young person
• Be able to work as part of a team with Foundation Care and other professionals
• Have the time and emotional stability to dedicate to fostering

If you meet these basic criteria, you’ve already taken the first step toward becoming a foster carer.

The Steps to Becoming a Foster Carer with Foundation Care

At Foundation Care, we make the fostering process as smooth and supportive as possible. Here’s how the journey typically unfolds:

1. Initial Enquiry

Your journey starts with a simple enquiry. You can reach out to Foundation Care through our website or by phone to express your interest in fostering. Our friendly team will have an initial chat with you to learn more about your background, lifestyle, and motivations for becoming a foster carer. This conversation also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and understand what fostering involves.

2. Information Session

After the initial enquiry, you’ll be invited to attend an information session. During this session, we provide an overview of what it means to foster, the different types of care available, and the support Foundation Care provides to our carers. It’s an excellent chance to learn from experienced carers and decide if fostering feels right for you.

3. Application and Assessment

Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll complete an application form. From there, one of our dedicated assessing social workers will visit your home several times to get to know you and your household better. This stage, called the Form F Assessment, explores your experiences, relationships, health, and motivation to foster. It may sound detailed, but it’s designed to ensure that fostering will be a good fit for both you and the child.

4. Training and Preparation

Before approval, you’ll attend our pre-approval training sessions. These sessions are interactive and informative, covering essential topics like child development, attachment, behaviour management, and trauma-informed care. You’ll meet other prospective carers and learn valuable skills that will help you on your fostering journey.

5. Panel and Approval

Once your assessment is complete, your application will be reviewed by an independent fostering panel. This panel considers your strengths, motivation, and suitability to foster. If approved, you’ll officially become part of the Foundation Care family and can begin welcoming a child into your home.

6. Placement and Ongoing Support

After approval, Foundation Care will match you with a child or young person whose needs align with your strengths and experience. You’ll receive 24/7 support from your supervising social worker, regular training opportunities, and a strong network of other carers. Foundation Care ensures you never feel alone — we’re with you every step of the way.

Why Choose Foundation Care?

Choosing the right fostering agency makes a world of difference. At Foundation Care, we pride ourselves on our personal approach, strong community values, and unwavering support for our carers. We understand that fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, which is why we provide:

• Comprehensive training and ongoing education
• 24/7 support from experienced social workers
• Regular events and networking opportunities for carers
• Generous financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child
• A warm, welcoming community that values every carer’s contribution

When you foster with Foundation Care, you’re not just helping children — you’re joining a family that works together to make a lasting difference.

Start Your Fostering Journey Today

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I become a foster carer?”, the answer might be yes — and Foundation Care is here to help you take the first step. With our guidance, training, and ongoing support, you can create a positive and stable future for a child who needs it most.

Every foster carer starts somewhere, and the first step begins with a simple conversation. Contact Foundation Care today to learn more about fostering opportunities near you and begin your journey toward changing lives — one child at a time.