What is fostering
A safe home, for as long as a child needs one.
Fostering means caring for a child or young person in your own home when they can't live with their own family. It can last a single night or many years. Foster carers give stability, routine and someone in their corner — while the child’s local authority stays responsible for their care plan, and WellCare supports you every step of the way.
Read more: what is fosteringFor the child
Safety, stability and adults who listen — the foundations for school, friendships and growing up well.
For your family
Fostering changes the people who do it too: new skills, new perspective, and a real sense of purpose.
For the community
Children who can stay near their school, friends and community keep the connections that matter to them.
Types of fostering
Five ways to foster.
Every child's situation is different, so fostering comes in different shapes. Many carers do more than one type over the years.
-
Long-term
Years — often into adulthood
A stable, lasting home for a child or young person who can’t return to their birth family.
About long-term fostering -
Short-term
A few days to a couple of years
Care while plans are made for a child’s future — returning home, moving to relatives or a long-term family.
About short-term fostering -
Emergency
At very short notice
A safe bed tonight, sometimes the same day and often outside office hours.
About emergency fostering -
Respite
Weekends and short breaks
Planned breaks that support other foster families or birth families, and give young people a change of scene.
About respite fostering -
Parent and child
While a parent is supported
A parent and their baby or young child live with you while you help them build the skills to care safely.
About parent and child fostering
What it takes to become a foster carer
You don't need to be perfect. You need to care.
There are a few essentials. Beyond them, what matters most is who you are — not your relationship status, your job or whether you own your home.
The essentials
- Aged 21 or over
- A spare bedroom
- The right to live and work in the UK (student visas don't qualify)
- Time, patience and a willingness to learn
What doesn't stop you
- Being single, married or in a relationship
- Renting rather than owning your home
- Your background, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality
- Having children of your own — or not
Myth or fact?
Tap a card to find out.
Transfer to WellCare
Already fostering? Let's talk.
We're pleased you're considering a move to WellCare. Foster carers can only be approved with one fostering service at a time, so the first step is a friendly, confidential conversation about how transferring works for you.
Fostering with WellCare
Support that feels like family.
When you foster with WellCare, you join a community — not just an agency.
- 24/7 support
- Training & development
- Mentoring scheme
- Support groups
- Fostering Network membership
- Events & activities
- A dedicated, diverse team