Fostering
with Oxfordshire County Council
“These kids don't want money, they don't want things - they just want love and attention, and they want your time.”
Sue, foster carer
Fostering is providing a safe, stable and caring home for a child when birth parents need more support.
Have you got love to give and a place a child could call home?
“There’s a lot of support if you need it, and there’s always someone to talk to if you need advice.”
Kev, foster carer of Joe and Amy
See the difference being a foster carer has made to the lives of John, Molly, Charlie and others.
Ready to go ?
Have you thought about fostering?
What’s stopping you?
Do I need to own my home?
You don’t have to own your home to foster. Renting is fine as long as you have a stable tenancy.
Am I too old?
You must be over 18 to foster but there is no upper age limit. We have foster carers who are fostering in their 70s.
I’m single. Does that matter?
Children need stable, loving homes. It doesn’t matter if you are single or have a partner.
How will I afford it?
To support the cost of looking after a child, we pay foster carers allowances, expenses and in some cases payments for additional skills. We pay allowances rather than salaries, so it is unlikely to affect your state benefits and your tax position.
I have a disability. Can I still foster?
Having a disability won't stop you from fostering if you are active, emotionally strong and can care for the child placed with you.
Are there any other incentives?
Once you have been approved as a short term or long term carer and have a child placed in your home, you will receive a £1,500 welcome payment.
Sound interesting? Whoever you are, and whatever your background, as long as you can meet the ongoing needs of the child you'd be caring for, we'd love to hear from you.
From babies to teens – all children deserve a place to call home and the right person to care for them.
Make a difference
Are you ready to take the first step?
Got a question? Give us a call on 0800 783 5724.
We're open between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Thursday and between 9 am - 4pm, Friday. All excluding bank holidays.
Are you an existing foster carer looking to transfer?