Transform a Child's Life: Become a Foster Carer with a trusted independent fostering agency.

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference in a child’s life. Every day, children and young people need safe, stable, and nurturing homes where they can grow, learn, and feel valued. By opening your heart and your home, you can offer a child the chance to thrive and build a brighter future, with guidance, training, and support every step of the way.

LogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogo

Start Your Enquiry Today

Fill in the form below to get more information and one of our fostering advisors will contact you for an informal chat. There’s no commitment, just friendly advice about fostering.

Country
person holding white and black cat

Support every step of the way

Fostering isn’t something you do alone. From the moment you enquire, you’ll have access to training, professional advice, and a community of people who understand what it means to care. You’ll never be left without guidance or support — and you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.

person holding white and black cat
people sitting on floor front of table
people sitting on floor front of table

You don’t need to be perfect

Foster carers come from all walks of life. You don’t need special qualifications or a perfect home, what matters most is your ability to listen, care, and offer stability. Children in care have often faced uncertainty; what they need is someone they can trust, someone patient enough to help them rebuild. With the right guidance and support, you could be that person.

A gentle hand rests on another's palm.

A small act, a lasting change

Every foster carer has a story to tell, often starting with a simple wish to help. It might begin with a single conversation, a thought that never quite fades, or the moment you realise you have space in your home and heart to make a difference. What follows can be life-changing - not just for the child you care for, but for you too. Seeing a young person grow in confidence, laugh freely again, and begin to believe in themselves is a reward like no other.

A gentle hand rests on another's palm.

FAQs

Essential Answers for Your Foster Care Journey with BSN Social Care.

The Process to Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing journey, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

The process begins with an initial enquiry, where we’ll answer your questions and talk about what fostering involves. You’ll then complete an application form, followed by a series of interviews and background checks to ensure fostering is the right fit for you and your household.

Next, you’ll take part in comprehensive training to help you prepare for the role, while a qualified assessor works with you to build your assessment report. Once complete, this report is presented to an independent fostering panel who will make a recommendation on your approval.

Throughout the process, you’ll receive clear, experienced support and guidance from our friendly and professional team.

How do the Finances, Pay and Allowances Work?

Foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance for each child in their care. This allowance is designed to cover all the costs of looking after the child, including food, clothing, transport, pocket money and household expenses.

In addition to covering these costs, foster carers also receive a professional fee in recognition of the important work they do. The exact amount you receive will depend on the age and needs of the child, as well as your experience and training as a carer.

We make sure our carers are fairly rewarded and fully supported, with clear guidance on payments, financial advice, and access to benefits or tax relief where applicable.

Our team will explain everything in detail during your assessment, so you always know what to expect and how fostering can work for you financially.

What Support Will I Receive as a Foster Carer?

You’ll never be on your own as a foster carer. From the moment you start your journey, you’ll have the support of a dedicated supervising social worker, regular visits, and 24-hour access to help and advice.

You’ll also be part of a friendly fostering community, with access to support groups, events, and specialist services for you and your family. We’re here to offer practical guidance, emotional support and ongoing training to help you provide the best care possible.

What types of training do foster parents receive?

Foster carers receive a full programme of training and ongoing development to help them feel confident and supported in their role.

Before approval, all carers complete pre-approval training (often called Skills to Foster), which introduces the realities of fostering, the needs of children, and the role of a foster carer.

Once approved, you’ll take part in regular training and learning opportunities that cover topics such as:

- Safeguarding and child protection

- Understanding trauma and attachment

- Managing behaviour and promoting positive relationships

- Equality, diversity and inclusion

- Health and safety, first aid and self-care

You’ll also have access to specialist courses tailored to the types of fostering you provide, such as caring for teenagers, children with disabilities, or parent and child placements.

Training is designed to fit around your lifestyle and can be delivered in person or online, with ongoing guidance from your supervising social worker and access to peer support from other carers.

How Is the Wellbeing of Children Ensured?

The wellbeing of every child in foster care is our top priority. We work closely with foster carers, social workers and other professionals to make sure every child feels safe, supported and valued.

Each child has an individual care plan that sets out their needs, goals and the support they require. This plan is regularly reviewed to make sure the right help is in place as their circumstances change.

Foster carers receive ongoing supervision and support from a dedicated supervising social worker, who visits regularly and offers practical guidance. Carers also have access to 24/7 advice and emergency support whenever it’s needed.

Children are encouraged to share their views and feelings, either directly or through their carers and support workers. Their voices help shape the care they receive and ensure their emotional, physical and educational needs are met.

We also provide specialist training and resources for carers, helping them to promote stability, build trust and create nurturing environments where children can thrive.

Who Can Become a Foster Carer?

People from all walks of life can foster. You don’t need specific qualifications or to own your home — what matters most is that you can provide a safe, stable and caring environment for a child.

You can be single, married or in a partnership, renting or owning your home, and from any background. What’s important is that you have the time, space and commitment to make a positive difference in a child’s life.

Our team will talk you through the requirements and help you understand if fostering is right for you.