Foster Care Fortnight

Are you curious about being a foster carer but you're not sure where to start?

Or maybe you’ve been thinking that fostering could be something for you in the near future. Here is a quick overview of the key things you need to know to help inform your decision.

Foster carers welcome children or young people into their homes, when they are not able to live with their own families. During that time, foster carers offer love, space, stability, safety and support.

Fostering is for people like you; people who know how to listen, who have a little extra love to give, and who believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and have a loving home.

Fostering is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference - not just in a child’s life but in your own. Right now, across Greater Manchester, there are over 6,000 children and young people who need someone in their corner and a loving home.

And while fostering might not be on your radar (yet), you may be more ready than you think.

Take this quiz to help you understand if you are ready to foster:

Is fostering for me?

A lot of people who think about being a foster carer, rule themselves out immediately, believing ‘that's not for me’ or ‘I’m not sure I could do that’. But, did you know:

There are different types of fostering:

Short-term
Long-term
Specialist
Short breaks
Parent and child
Emergency
Supported lodgings
Refugee children

There are only a few ‘must-haves’ to becoming a great foster carer:

You must be over the age of 21 – there is no upper age limit
You must be fit and able to care for children and young people
You must either own your own home or be in a secure rental agreement
You must provide an environment that is suitable for children and young people
You must have a good level of spoken and written English
You must disclose any criminal records

Foster carers receive financial support:

You will receive payment for being a foster carer
You will receive a weekly fostering allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child in foster care, such as clothing, food and pocket money.
The vast majority of foster carers do not pay tax on their fostering income.

You will be fully supported throughout your journey to becoming a great foster carer:

Our committed and friendly team will answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process at your own pace
You will have the opportunity to talk to existing foster carers
You will get full training and support
When you become a foster carer, there is a whole community of carers and professionals here to support you.

You can find out more information and key FAQs on this website