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Free guidance for people considering fostering

Find out if you could become a foster carer in England

Take the free eligibility check
Answer 8 quick questions and get an instant, honest result. No jargon, no obligation.
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Find a fostering agency near you
Compare independent fostering agencies and local authorities across England.
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8,000+
Children in England waiting for a foster family right now
3 mins
How long our free eligibility checker takes to complete
£450+
Weekly allowance for many foster carers in England

Common questions about fostering eligibility

These are the questions people search for most — and the ones most agencies don't answer clearly on their own websites.

Can I foster if I rent my home?
You don't need to own your home to become a foster carer. Renters can foster — find out what you'll need to arrange with your landlord.
Can single people foster?
Being in a couple is not a requirement. Many of the most effective foster carers in England are single. Here's what you need to know.
Can I foster if I work full time?
Working doesn't automatically disqualify you. The answer depends on your flexibility and the age of any child placed with you.
Can I foster with a criminal record?
Not all convictions prevent you from fostering. Minor or historic offences are considered individually. Find out where the line is drawn.
How old do you have to be to foster?
The minimum age is 21. There is no upper age limit — many people begin fostering in their 50s and 60s and bring invaluable life experience.
Can I foster with a disability or health condition?
A long-term condition or disability doesn't automatically rule you out. What matters is whether you can meet a child's day-to-day needs.

Not sure if you qualify? Find out in 3 minutes.

Our free eligibility checker covers every major criterion — age, housing, employment, health, criminal record and more. You'll get an honest, instant result with no jargon and no obligation.

Start the free eligibility check →
The checker covers:
Age requirements
Spare bedroom requirement
Renting vs owning your home
Relationship status
Employment and availability
Criminal record
Health and disability
Right to work in the UK

Myths that stop people from even asking

Thousands of people who could foster never enquire because they assume they won't qualify. Here are the most common myths — and the truth behind them.

❌ Myth
"You have to own your home to foster"
Not true. Renters can foster. You need a spare bedroom and your landlord's written permission — that's it. Most landlords agree.
❌ Myth
"You have to be in a couple to foster"
Not true. Single people make excellent foster carers. There is no requirement to be married or in a relationship of any kind.
❌ Myth
"You can't foster if you work"
Not true. Many foster carers work part-time or flexibly. Full-time workers can foster depending on the child's age and your availability.
❌ Myth
"A criminal record rules you out automatically"
Not true. Minor or historic convictions are assessed individually. Many foster carers have past convictions and foster successfully.
❌ Myth
"You're too old to start fostering"
Not true. There is no upper age limit in England. Maturity and life experience are considered genuine strengths by most agencies.
❌ Myth
"You need childcare experience to foster"
Not true. Formal childcare experience is not required. Agencies provide full training and support before and throughout your journey.

Types of fostering

Fostering isn't one-size-fits-all. Different types of placement suit different circumstances — some may fit your life better than others.

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Short-term fostering
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Long-term fostering
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Respite fostering
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Emergency fostering
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Parent and child fostering
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Therapeutic fostering
About CanIFoster.org

CanIFoster.org is an independent, free resource for people considering fostering in England. We have no affiliation with any fostering agency.

Our goal is simple: give you honest, clear information to help you decide whether fostering is right for you — without pressure, jargon, or sales pitches.

If you decide to take the next step, we can help you find and compare agencies in your area.

More about us →

Fostering allowances and pay

Foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child. Amounts vary by placement type, child's age, and agency.

How much do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers in England typically receive between £200 and £700+ per week depending on the child's age, needs, and the agency. Find out what to expect.
Is fostering allowance taxable?
Foster carers benefit from a generous tax exemption called Qualifying Care Relief. Most carers pay little or no tax on their fostering income.