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About fostering

Find out about fostering including who can foster, types of foster care and what it means to be fostered.

Who can foster

Just like the children, foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds. 

We're interested in what you have to offer a child, rather than your marital status, ethnicity, sexuality or religious belief.

You’ll need to be:

  • energetic
  • a good listener
  • patient and able to understand a child’s needs
  • flexible with your work
  • a non-smoker

You do not need to own your own home but you must have a spare room for the child to use. 

Find out more about who can foster from GOV.UK.