Is fostering for me?

• Are you compassionate and kind to children and young people?
• Do you have time to spend with a child?
• Are you able to listen and empathise with a child's feelings and behaviours?
• Are you willing to help a child maintain their connections with their family?
• Are you willing to be flexible and respond positively to new experiences and situations?
• Are you able to set boundaries to help children and young people know what is expected of them?
• Are you patient and able to understand that things may take time to change?
• Is everyone in your household willing to participate?
• Are you willing to work with the team around the child or young people and birth family to achieve the best outcomes?

Being a foster carer is one of the most challenging yet most rewarding things you'll ever do. It truly is a life-changing experience - not just for you and your family, but for the children and young people you help too.

You will never be alone on your fostering journey. The support we offer will guide you through the challenges and successes of fostering. You also get an allowance, comprehensive training and ongoing learning to build your skills and knowledge.

We are looking for foster carers with lots of love, time and support to offer a child the positive difference and nurturing home that they deserve. You may have been considering fostering for some time. Choosing to foster a child is not an easy decision. And it shouldn't be.

Foster care requires flexibility, commitment and patience. As a foster parent, you can make an important difference to a child's life, at a time when they need it the most. You can experience the joy of offering children a safe, nurturing environment. You can watch them grow and develop their self-esteem and confidence.

And anyone can make a difference. With the support of people just like you, children and young people who are vulnerable or at risk have a chance at a new future.

How will fostering affect my family?

If you have children, they will play an important role in helping a foster child feel part of your family. It is normal for them to feel a range of emotions about gaining a foster sibling.

We know fostering is a big decision that comes with big changes to your family, which is why we offer your whole family support at every step of your journey.