Fostering can be a challenging task but also one of the most rewarding things you could ever do.

Summarize what your site is about and who it’s for. Think of a completely new visitor and provide them with the most important things they need to know about your business and what it can do for them, right here.
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DawnFoster Carer since 2005

...I don't know why I didn't do this years ago, fostering is a rewarding, worthwhile opportunity and a fantastic career move... The staff are always helpful and supportive, only a phone call away 24/7, 365 days a year…

Who Can be a Foster Carer?

Expelling the myths about who can become a foster carer....

If you are interested in fostering we would like to hear from you no matter what your background. We have a diverse range of fostering families, from all walks of life and from all types of backgrounds. We welcome applications from single people and couples, whatever your ethnic background, religious beliefs and sexual orientation, and whether or not you already have children of your own. Below is a list of the types of people who can apply to become a foster carers:

  • You can be a parent or grandparent, or have no children of your own.
  • You can be married, or have a partner, or be single.
  • You can be a tenant or can own your home.
  • You can apply to become a foster carer whatever your cultural background or religious beliefs.
  • Your gender or sexuality should not prevent you from applying with us.
  • You can apply to be a foster carer from the age of 21.
  • You can continue be a foster carer past retirement age.
  • You don’t require any formal qualifications, we will train and help you.

What Do You Need to Foster?

There are some basic requirements you will need to consider before applying to become a foster carer. If you feel that you meet the requirements set out below or you would like to discuss these further, fill out the form above and a member of our team will contact you.

  • A spare bedroom.
  • Experience of interacting with children and young people.
  • If in a relationship, you will need to show that it is stable and settled.
  • A caring personality, the time and energy to devote to a child.
  • Be over 21 years of age. There is no upper age limit as long as you are physically and mentally fit.
  • No serious criminal convictions. If you have been convicted of any violent or serious crimes against children or young people, you will not be able to proceed any further. However, some convictions may not discount you and should be disclosed at the beginning of the assessment process.
  • A good level of verbal and written English.
  • A commitment to the assessment process which builds a picture of your history and life experience.

We are looking for a variety of carers who can provide foster placements for teenagers, unaccompanied minors, children and young people with disabilities, parent and child, as well as large sibling groups

Our Support for Foster Parents

Futures for Children are committed to providing our foster carers with a support service that is accessible and effective. Foster Carers within the organisation can expect:

    • Named Supervising Social Workers – Once approved you will receive ongoing support from a named qualified and experienced Social Worker.
    • Induction Training Programme - Following your approval you will be invited to attend a 'Foundation Course' which will give you further advice and training to prepare you for your placement.
    • ​TSD Standards – Support to achieve a national qualification designed specifically for new foster carers over your first year of fostering.
    • Supervision Meetings – Supervision meetings usually take place at your home on a monthly basis, although this can be increased if needed.
    • Support Groups – These meetings provide opportunities to meet with other foster carers and share their experiences as well as hearing from Social Workers of any developments in the organisation and the wider world of fostering.
    • ​Education Consultants – Access to consultants who are available to support children and young people’s education.
    • ​Therapeutic Service – Access to our Therapeutic Service providing specific support to foster carers at times of stress.
    • Training – Each foster carer has an Individual Development Plan; your Supervising Social Worker will complete this with you and identify your specific training and development needs.
    • ​Support to Foster Carers
    • ​Telephone Support – Access to telephone support is available to all foster carers during working hours. This could be available through the local office or directly through mobile phone access. There is always someone at the end of the phone to offer support.
    • Out of Hours Service – A telephone advice line is available outside of working hours 365 days a year.
    • Financial Support – Regular payments exceeding the Fostering Network Payment Guidelines are made to each fostering household with a placement.
    • Respite – Foster carers will be entitled to respite in line with the child’s Care Plan.
    • Individual membership to Fostering Network – This allows foster carers access to the services provided by this recognised body.

Be Part of Futures For Children's Fostering Family 

Futures for Children is an established and progressive organisation committed to delivering a high quality service to children, young people, foster carers and local authorities.

We work in partnership with many local authorities through contracting and individual agreements to offer a wide range of fostering placements for children and young people to meet their individual needs.​

Futures for Children

As an existing foster carer it is important that you work with a company that is able to fully support both the children and foster carers. A lot of carers from Local Authorities and other Agencies come to us and feel that there could be more done for themselves and the looked after children.

Get More Information About Fostering With Us

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