Foster with us

There are lots of myths about who can become a foster carer. Put simply, over 21s of any background, relationship status, sexual orientation, working status, or faith are eligible to foster.

We have a diverse community of foster carers from a range of different circumstances. What unites everyone is a commitment to supporting children and young people in Herefordshire.

You could foster if you have:

A desire to make a difference and develop as a foster carer.

A spare bedroom in stable accommodation.

No child-related convictions.

Some childcare experience.

Fostering myth busters

• You'll receive a weekly fee and an allowance - You’ll be paid a weekly fee of up to £520 as well as an allowance of up to £271 when you are supporting a child.
• You can foster if you're single - You can foster if you're single as long as you can provide a safe and loving home.
• You can foster if you rent your home - You can foster if you rent your home as long as you are in stable accommodation and your landlord agrees to you fostering.
• There is no upper age limit to fostering - You will have to pass a medical assessment to prove you are in good physical health.
• You don't always need a spare bedroom to foster - For most types of fostering you need a spare bedroom, however, you can foster babies up to two years old in the same bedroom as you.
• You can foster if you have a disability - All potential foster carers have a full medical check to make sure that they can provide the care our children need.
• You can foster if you're LGBTQ+ - We welcome applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
• You can foster if you're religious - Your religion will not affect your application. However, you would need to consider how you would feel about discussing alternative religious beliefs or sexuality with a child.
• You do have a choice in the children you foster - Good matching for you and the children is important. Your fostering social worker will work with you to understand the age and types of children that suit your skills and circumstances.
• You can work in another job while fostering - Many of our foster carers still work, but you do need to be able to provide the care and support needed to the children you foster. We will consider each person's circumstances and look at what type of fostering would suit you best.

Fostering Myths vs Facts video

Watch our Fostering Myths vs Facts video for more information about who can foster.