Fostering since 2004 · Rated Good by Ofsted

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WellCare Fostering Services — home
Become a foster carer

Every child's story is different.

Types of fostering

From a safe bed tonight to a home for life, fostering comes in different shapes. Find the one that fits your life — many carers try more than one over the years.

Become a foster carer Which type suits me?
A teenage girl laughing outdoors, holding her phone

Which type might suit you?

What could you offer a young person?

Pick the answer closest to you. It's only a starting point — we'll talk it all through with you properly.

Choose an option to see a suggestion.

Not sure? Most people aren't at the start. That's what our first conversation is for.

Five ways to foster

Find the fostering that fits.

Choose a type to see how long it lasts, how much notice you'd get, and who it tends to suit.

Type 1 of 5

A young woman with glasses smiling confidently outdoors

Long-term fostering

A stable, lasting home for a child or young person who can’t return to their birth family. Long-term carers become a constant — the same home, school and faces, year after year — often supporting young people into adulthood.

How long
Years — usually until 18, sometimes beyond
Notice
Planned, with time for introductions
Suits
Carers ready to commit for the long haul

Good to know: In England, ‘Staying Put’ arrangements can let young people stay with their former foster carers up to the age of 21.

Whatever type you choose

What every WellCare carer can count on.

Long-term, short-term, respite or emergency, the support behind you is the same.

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  1. Your own supervising social worker

    Someone who knows you and your household, visits regularly and helps you plan for each child.

  2. Support day and night

    An out-of-hours line for advice in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

  3. Training that fits

    Courses matched to the type of fostering you do, from your first preparation course onwards.

  4. A fostering allowance

    A competitive allowance for every child in your care, alongside the training and support.

  5. A community around you

    Support groups, mentoring and regular events where you can meet other WellCare carers.

  6. Help when things are hard

    If a placement becomes difficult, we work through it with you. You won’t be left to manage on your own.

Eligibility

Could you become a foster carer?

Whatever type of fostering you're drawn to, the basics are the same. Most people are surprised how few there are.

You'll need to

  • Be aged 21 or over
  • Have a spare bedroom for a child or young person
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK (student visas don't qualify)
  • Be in reasonable health to care for a child
  • Have time, patience and a willingness to learn

Checks during your assessment

To keep children safe, every applicant goes through the same checks. We guide you through each one.

  • DBSEnhanced criminal record (DBS) check for adults in your home
  • GPA medical with your GP
  • RefsPersonal and employment references
  • ChecksOfsted and local authority checks
  • HomeA home visit and basic health and safety check

Quick check

Question 1 of 3

Are you aged 21 or over?

There’s no upper age limit — health and energy matter more than age.

An initial guide only. It doesn't guarantee eligibility.

Joining WellCare

Two ways to join us.

New to fostering

Become a WellCare foster carer

  1. 1
    Get in touchCall, WhatsApp or send the form below. No commitment.
  2. 2
    We visit youA friendly chat at home about fostering and your family.
  3. 3
    Apply and trainApplication form, then Skills to Foster training.
  4. 4
    Assessment and panelYour Form F assessment, panel and approval — supported all the way.

Already fostering?

Transfer to WellCare

We're pleased you're considering a move. Foster carers can only be approved with one fostering service at a time, so the first step is a confidential conversation. We'll explain how transferring works and answer every question — there's no obligation.

  • A confidential first conversation
  • Honest answers about how the move would work
  • The same 24/7 support and training as every WellCare carer

Start your enquiry

Let's have a chat.

Leave your details and someone from our team will get back to you. Prefer to talk now?

020 3417 9292 WhatsApp 07877 507101 info@wellcarefostering.co.uk
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Questions

About the types of fostering

Ready to take the first step?

You could transform a child's future.

Become a foster carer with WellCare. Start with a conversation — no commitment, and no question too small.