Fostering explained · Getting started

Fostering on your own. With a team around you.

You don’t need a partner to foster. You do need the time, stability and support to care for a child.

Let’s talk about fostering No pressure. Just a conversation.
A woman writing a reminder on a board at home
Fostering can start with one person.

Start with what you can offer

Being single is not a reason to rule yourself out. Your ability to provide steady care, make time for a child and work with their wider team is what matters. We’ll get to know your circumstances as part of the assessment.

Think about your support network

Who can you talk to after a difficult day? Who is part of your everyday life? You do not need to have every answer, but it helps to reflect on the people around you. Any help with caring for a child needs to fit agreed arrangements.

Ask about work and money

If you are the only adult at home, availability and household finances deserve an honest conversation. Bring your work pattern and questions to us. We can explain payments, practical responsibilities and the support you would receive from SCF.

Further reading: Read SCF’s full article.

Your next question

What would this mean for me?

A quick conversation can help you connect the information to your own life.

Ask the team See the support around you ↗

Keep exploring

Another question, answered.

01

Can men foster?

Yes. Care, consistency and commitment are what matter. Here are a few things to think about.

Explore this
02

Could fostering be your next chapter after 55?

Your experience can be a strength. The conversation starts with your life now, and what you could offer.

Explore this
03

A bedroom of their own. A space to feel settled.

What to know about the spare room, and why it is part of the fostering conversation.

Explore this

A conversation, at your pace

You bring the questions.
We’ll bring the answers.

You don’t need to be ready to apply. A friendly conversation can help you work out your next step.

  1. We’ll listen to what brings you here.
  2. We’ll answer your questions honestly.
  3. You decide what happens next.

Usually 15–20 minutes. No pressure to apply.

Having trouble with the form? Open it in a new tab ↗

frame.style.cssText = 'width:100%;height:900px;border:0;display:block;'; old.replaceWith(frame); return true; } if (!installForm()) { const observer = new MutationObserver(() => { if (installForm()) observer.disconnect(); }); observer.observe(document.documentElement, { childList: true, subtree: true }); setTimeout(() => observer.disconnect(), 15000); } })();