Foster with us

Fostering is when you look after a child aged 0-18 who cannot live with their birth family.

They may have been moved due to a safety risk, neglect or the child experiencing difficulties at home. Each child will have their own individual story, but they will all need your care and compassion to help them manage their experiences and the separation from their families.

Their stay in your home can last for a few days, weeks, months or years. The duration will be based on what's best for each child.

Fostering is a flexible role

There are many different types of fostering. You can be the main day-to-day carer or offer respite support at prearranged intervals. We also have specialist fostering schemes based on your skills, such as overnight short breaks for children with disabilities or supported lodgings for 18 to 25 year olds.

Find out more about the different types of fostering

What foster carers do

Foster carers provide a safe home environment that nurtures the children and young people they support. They do day-to-day parenting, helping those in their care to grow and develop.

They work closely with social workers, other professionals and birth families to help create bright futures. They support the child's education, health and social growth, which includes attending meetings and keeping records about their development.

Foster carers attend bespoke training to hone the skills needed to make a difference to the children in Herefordshire.

What foster carers get in return

Being a foster carer is a rewarding role. You'll receive an allowance to cover the cost of looking after the child or young person, based on their age. You'll also receive a fee, which is based on your skills and experience.

You'll have the opportunity to develop as a carer. Through training and experience, you'll be able to progress through our career development levels and earn more.

Find out more about our full range of benefits