Who can Foster?

You may be more ready to foster than you think

If you’re wondering “Could I foster?” the answer is very often yes.

Foster carers in Manchester come from all walks of life. Whether you live in the city centre, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Bolton, Oldham, Wigan, or anywhere across Greater Manchester, you may be far more eligible to foster than you realise.

At JustFoster, we help you understand the fostering process, answer your questions, and match you with the right fostering agency. We don’t carry out checks ourselves — that’s always done by the fostering provider — but we guide you every step of the way so you feel confident and fully informed.

Potential fosterers often have misconceptions about what they need to start fostering, so let’s start with what you DON’T need;

  • You don’t need special qualifications.
  • You don’t need to be a parent.
  • You don’t need the “perfect” life setup.

What matters most is your ability to offer a safe, stable, and nurturing home to a child who cannot live with their birth family. At JustFoster, we believe great foster carers are united not by their circumstances, but by their compassion, commitment, and desire to make a difference.

A loving mother and her daughter enjoy quality time together indoors with soft lighting.

Basic Requirements for Fostering

To become a foster carer in the UK, you will need to:

  • Be 21 or older (the legal minimum is 18, but 21 is standard)

  • Have a spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person

  • Live in the UK with a stable housing arrangement (owning or renting)

  • Have the right to live and work in the UK

  • Be able to care for a child on a full-time basis (or part-time for specific fostering types)

If you don’t meet every point perfectly, don’t rule yourself out — have a chat with us. Every situation is explored individually, because every family is different.

two person step on gray soil

What Do Fostering Agencies Look At?

When you apply, the assessment is done by the fostering provider, not us. But we help you prepare so you know exactly what to expect.

Fostering providers will explore things like:

Your health & wellbeing

You don’t need perfect health — you simply need to be well enough to meet a child’s needs.

Your home environment

They’ll look at safety, space, and suitability for a child or young person.

Your financial stability

Fostering allowances cover the cost of caring for a child, but providers check that you are stable between placements.

Your support network

Friends, family, or community support helps you thrive as a carer.

Your experience with children

Any experience counts — parenting, work, volunteering, or simply family life.

Your background

You’ll undergo a DBS check. Most convictions do not automatically stop you from fostering.

Every applicant is unique. Our role is to help you find the provider most suited to your experience and strengths.

To foster, there are a few essentials you’ll need. You must have a spare bedroom for a foster child, a safe and stable home environment, and the time to support a child who may have experienced trauma while working alongside other professionals. Most importantly, everyone in your household should be fully committed to welcoming a child into your home.

Do I need a spare room?

For most fostering placements, yes. A spare bedroom gives a child privacy and a sense of belonging.

Exceptions can include:

  • Babies under approx. 36 months

  • Siblings under a certain age

  • Short breaks placements

If you’re unsure, we can help you discuss this with a fostering provider.

Yes. Renting does not stop you from fostering.

You’ll just need:

  • A stable tenancy

  • Landlord permission

Many brilliant foster carers in Manchester rent their homes.

No. You don’t need to be a parent to become a foster carer.

If you do have children, agencies will ensure they are supported throughout the process.

 

Often, yes. Many children find comfort in animals.

The fostering agency will carry out a pet assessment, but we help prepare you for it.

Only pets with a history of aggression may be an issue.

No — you can still foster if you don’t drive.

You’ll need reliable transport for:

  • School runs

  • Appointments

  • Contact meetings

  • Activities

Public transport or support from others can work perfectly well.

There is no upper age limit for fostering.

Whether you’re in your 20s or 70s, what matters is:

  • Health

  • Stability

  • Emotional readiness

  • Time to care

Many older adults make exceptional foster carers.

Often, yes. Many children come from:

  • Manchester

  • Salford

  • Trafford

  • Stockport

  • Bolton

  • Oldham

  • Rochdale

  • Wigan

  • Bury

But sometimes, children from other parts of the UK need safe homes in Greater Manchester.

Agencies do their best to keep children near their schools and support networks when possible.

Yes. We support applicants from across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Birmingham and surrounding areas.

If you live further afield, we’ll help you find the most suitable fostering agency for your location.

Yes — depending on the type of fostering.

You may be able to work full-time if fostering:

  • School-age children (with childcare support)

  • Supported Lodgings

  • Short Breaks

For babies or Parent & Child placements, one carer must usually be at home.

We help you match with an agency that fits your lifestyle.

Yes. Being unemployed does not stop you from fostering.

Fostering allowances help cover the costs of caring for a child.
Many foster carers continue receiving benefits, depending on their situation.

No. You can be:

  • Single

  • Married

  • Divorced

  • Co-habiting

  • In a civil partnership

  • Widowed

Your relationship status doesn’t determine your ability to foster.

Yes. You simply need enough spoken English to:

  • Communicate with professionals

  • Support the child in your care

  • Manage day-to-day tasks

Being bilingual is often a huge advantage, especially for children from diverse backgrounds.

 

Yes — if you have:

  • Indefinite Leave to Remain

  • Settled Status

  • Right to work in the UK

Your cultural background can be incredibly valuable to a child.

Absolutely. Ethnic foster carers are welcomed and valued.

Many Ethnic carers bring empathy, resilience, and understanding that greatly benefit young people.

es — many people with disabilities or health conditions make excellent foster carers.

What matters is:

  • How well you manage your condition

  • Your ability to meet a child’s needs

  • Your support network

The fostering provider will complete a medical assessment — we simply help you prepare.

Yes, with some guidelines.

Agencies will not place children under five in a household where anyone smokes or vapes.

Smoking or vaping must happen outside only.

Possibly. Most convictions do not automatically stop you from fostering.

You cannot foster if you have convictions for:

  • Crimes against children

  • Certain violent offences

  • Sexual offences

We help you discuss your circumstances confidentially with fostering providers.

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