When you become a foster parent, you will receive a fostering allowance as a contribution towards the cost of caring for the child or young person in your care. The fostering allowance is designed to cover the cost of providing food, clothing, and other essential needs of the child, as well as any additional expenses related to the child’s education, hobbies, or activities.

It’s important to note that the fostering allowance is not considered income, and therefore, it shouldn’t affect any benefits you receive from the government. This means that you can still receive benefits such as child tax credits, housing benefits, or income support, in addition to the fostering allowance.

Fostering can have a positive impact on your own children as well. Through their involvement in fostering, they have the opportunity to develop strong empathy and caring skills, as well as a greater understanding of diversity and different life experiences.

Our blog provides more information on the benefits of fostering not just for the children in care, but for your own family as well

Yes, absolutely! Single individuals can absolutely become foster parents and provide a loving, stable home for a child in need.

If you are considering fostering as a single person, we encourage you to read our blog to learn more about the process and the support available to you.

One of the requirements to become a foster carer is that you must have a spare bedroom in your home. This is to ensure that the child or young person you are fostering has their own space and privacy. It’s also important to consider that the child may need some time and space to themselves as they adjust to their new environment.

Each foster family is distinctive, with their own preferences and requirements when it comes to fostering. For instance, carers with young biological children may opt for fostering placements with children of a similar age, while older carers may lean towards teenagers who are more self-sufficient and don’t require as much physical support. Regardless of your choice, the decision-makers will consider your motivations for choosing a specific age group, ensuring that you are matched with the most suitable fostering opportunity.

When you become a part of Family Care, we take the time to truly get to know you and your family. We want to understand your strengths, interests, and unique qualities so that we can find the best match for you and the child in your care. Our ultimate goal is to provide a stable and positive experience for the children and young people in our care, which is why we put in a lot of effort to ensure the best possible match. We also understand that there may be times when a referral isn’t the right fit, and we always respect your decision.

Fostering is a vital service that provides a safe and nurturing family environment for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families for various reasons. Some children may have experienced neglect, abuse or trauma, while others may have parents who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or financial problems. In some cases, parents may have passed away, or children may have been separated from their families due to conflict or migration.

Whatever the reason may be, foster care offers children and young people a temporary or long-term family placement where they can feel safe, supported and loved.