Fostering is…

providing a safe, nurturing and stable environment for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families, welcoming them for stays that last a few days to several years.

You need a spare bedroom and the right to work in the UK to foster.

* Child/children refers to person(s) under the age of 18.

Why do people foster?

“I foster because... I want to ensure that no child grows up without loving parents. Every child deserves love and safety. I hope that I can make a difference for at least one child.”
— Adam

FAQs

  • To foster, you need to be over 21 years old, be a British Citizen or have the right to work in the UK and most importantly, a spare bedroom.

    The best part? You do not need any qualifications! We provide free training to support your ongoing professional learning and development, as well a 24/7 support

  • Fostering is different from adoption as it involves looking after a baby, child or teenager on a temporary basis. But your support lasts a lifetime. Fostering can last a few weeks, months or several years. Unlike adoption, fostering ends when the child reaches 18. Fostering helps children reach adulthood with confidence by providing them the love, safety and support they need to blossom.

    Adoption is a permanent arrangement where adoptive parents assume full legal responsibilty for the child until they reach adulthood. In contrast, foster parents do not have full legal responsibility. When a chid is made the subject of a care order, the local authority has legal responsibility (Part 3 of the Children Act 1989). However, foster parents may adopt their child if they wish to do so.

  • You are responsible for caring for the child entering your home as if they were your own. This includes dedicating time to meet their needs, such as transportation to and from school, attending school functions, planning outings and more.

    As a foster parent, you are self-employed, supported by our agency. Many of our foster parents work full-time jobs while fostering. We also have foster parents who pursue fostering as a full-time career. You can choose the option that best fits your circumstances.

  • Yes, you can absolutely foster children if you have children living at home, as long as your children accept that you will be fostering. You should consider how fostering may impact your own children and be prepared to discuss this with them openly.

    In fact, having children already in the home can provide a supportive and enriching environment for foster children. And your birth children receive new siblings!

The Role of a Foster Parent

As a foster parent, you have the opportunity to make a real difference to the life of a child of young person.

Alongside the day-to-day care, foster parents also have some other key responsibilities, such as:

  • Acting as a role model

  • Teaching them life skills, such as cooking

  • Making sure they regularly attend school and are supported in their learning

  • Providing them with new experiences, like holidays and activities

  • Supporting their physical and mental wellbeing

  • Keeping track of their progress and achievements in records

  • Encouraging safe, positive contact with their birth family where appropriate

Career Opportunities

When you foster, you will have a child ‘in placement’ with you in your home.

Learn about the different placement opportunities available to you!

Our Services

We are committed to protecting and empowering every child, ensuring that they thrive within a compassionate and nurturing environment.

With Rainbow, they are able to reach adulthood with confidence despite their negative experiences.

A rewarding and fulfilling career

Learn more about fostering